U.S. Temporarily Blocks Some Green-Card Holders From Entry Over Ebola Travel Risk
The United States has temporarily expanded Ebola-related entry restrictions to include some green-card holders who recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.
The CDC says lawful permanent residents who were in any of those countries within the past 21 days are now prevented from entering the United States. The restriction follows an interim rule tied to federal authority for limiting the entry of specific people during dangerous disease outbreaks.
U.S. citizens and nationals are not barred from entry, but they may face enhanced screening if they recently traveled through the affected countries. Screening can include travel-history questions, temperature checks and observation for signs of illness by CDC staff.
The rule is currently set to last 30 days while federal officials assess the risk and coordinate mitigation measures. CDC says the immediate risk to the general U.S. public remains low, but the agency is using layered prevention measures because Ebola symptoms can develop after travel.
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Flights carrying travelers recently present in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan may also be routed through selected U.S. airports for screening. CDC lists Washington-Dulles, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston as designated arrival points.
The policy comes as the World Health Organization says the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC and Uganda is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO says the outbreak is occurring in a difficult setting shaped by insecurity, population movement and limited health capacity.
The practical consequence is significant. Some lawful permanent residents who would normally be allowed to return to the United States may be temporarily blocked if they recently traveled through the listed countries.
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