America's door shut to foreigners with HIV

The Chicago Tribune ^ | 7-12-2006 | Bonnie Miller Rubin

[satchmodog9]

In the early years of AIDS, when many people thought a deadly disease dubbed "the gay cancer" might be transmitted via drinking glasses or doorknobs, Congress added HIV to the list of infections that could prevent a foreign visitor from entering the country.

Nearly two decades later, as the international Gay Games begin in Chicago this weekend, the law still bars any HIV-positive foreigner from visiting the U.S., whether it is to play basketball, attend a business meeting or stand up in a family wedding.

Though immigration officials have granted a waiver to allow athletes to attend the games--just as they did in 1994, when the event was held in New York City--many health experts are frustrated and puzzled that the rule exists at all.

[little jeremiah]

Complete government meltdown on all levels.

Yes.

[satchmodog9]

I used to live on the corner of Diversey and Kenmore. Boys town was close enough to give us some spill over. The famous Chicago tranny Alexandra Billings (aka Scott) lived downstairs. Sometimes I miss my beloved hometown and then I wake up and shiver. All the erudite, leftists, homos and pop culture slaves find these games wonderful. I find them to be a sad commentary on our society. I will never think of Soldier Field the same way. Now it is Sissie Field, just like when Wannie was coach.

[toddlintown]

Wannstadt always looked like a '70s porn star with that mustache...but wait, there's more:

According to the city’s latest STD/HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, ending in December 31, 2005, the AIDS rate in Chicago is 26.9 per 100,000, double the rate of Illinois and nearly double the rate of the entire U.S. With statistics like this, you would think that the last thing Mayor Daley would encourage would be travel exemptions for foreign HIV/AID carriers so they could come to Chicago.

It’s just amazing what Democrats will do for votes.

[gidget7]

As is Ford Motor Co.

Anyone else uncomfortable going to hotel rooms, wondering who has been there before me?? Or is it just me LOL Definitely won't be going to/staying in Chicago!

[gidget7]

As is Ford Motor Co.

Anyone else uncomfortable going to hotel rooms, wondering who has been there before me?? Or is it just me LOL Definitely won't be going to/staying in Chicago!

[caseinpoint]

I know AIDS isn't spread casually but I would worry about those who are unknowingly exposed to HIV-positive people. I wouldn't want to clean hotel rooms of HIV-positive guests without knowing that beforehand and being allowed to take precautions. Am I being medically stupid or just politically incorrect?

[NoCurrentFreeperByThatName]

Thank God. The TB we get from inbound people is bad enough.

Yep. Had a case confirmed at a nearby county lock up today.