I would like to respond to the majority leader. I do see Senator KENNEDYS amendment as a change in policy. It may leave in effect the prohibition from immigrants coming in that are HIV positive for 90 days and then it says we are going to change it. The amendment may not say it. but President Clinton has said he is going to change it. Those are the facts. He is going to change the policy that we have had since 1987 that has prohibited permanent immigrants who are HIV positive from coming into this country. Senator KENNEDYs amendment would delay that for 90 days and have some studies. but then the change is going to happen. The amendment that I am offering. along with Senator DOLE. Senator KASSEBAUM. Senator SHELBY. and many others. says no. we are going to keep the policy in effect that we have had for some time. We are not going to allow permanent immigrants to come into the country who are HIV positive. for a couple of reasons: Because it is an imminent threat to public health. because it is a communicable disease that will cost lives. because it will drive up the cost of health care. My good friend. Senator MITCHELL. said we put in a provision that says the Attorney General can deny somebody access into a country if they are going to be a public charge. What about refugees? They are automatically eligible for Medicaidautomatically. The cost of Medicaid has exploded. as I have already shown.
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refugees immigrants