A reader writes:
I am an HIV positive professional who has been studying and working in the US for the last 9 years. I found out that I was positive three years ago while processing my US green card. Because the green card process was being handled in Ecuador (I am Ecuadorian), the doctor – assigned by the US embassy in Quito – reported my HIV status to the US embassy. This is how I found out about the HIV travel ban and the problems that this law brings to those like me that have this disease. After that, I have not been able to leave the US for fear that I will not be able to re-enter the country.
However, in my case, I ran out of time already. I am scheduled to leave the US in a couple of weeks after 9 years of living in NYC. My life is here and it kills me that I need to leave all behind due to this stupid policy that treats me as if I were a criminal or a terrorist. I have been hoping that this will get resolved in time so I would have the opportunity to stay in the US. or, even, if I leave, I would be able to come back. However, it seems that it won’t happen soon enough for me.
If you want to help end this ban – HIV is the only disease that is legislatively designated as a bar to even entering the US – email your senator. Details here. My waiver runs out next March.
The Dish 