Mr. Speaker. my motion is very simple. It instructs the conferees to agree to accept section 2011 of the Senate bill dealing with the immigration of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. I think it is important for Congress to deal with this issue because President Clinton has announced his intention to lift the ban through executive order. This provision in the Senate bill would codify the current practice of testing immigrants for the HIV virus and excluding from immigration into the United States those individuals found to be infected. It also requires the President to submit a report by September 1. 1993 assessing the cost and impact of removing the ban on the immigration of infected individuals. Finally. this provision would provide for a 30day waiver which will allow people to come into the country without testing if they are entering the country temporarily to: Receive medical treatment. attend educational or medical conferences. visit family members. conduct temporary business. or visit on vacation. In addition. the Attorney General would have the discretion to provide for other waivers. This provision represents an important public health measure which will continue the current policy that has been in effect since 1987. The Clinton administrations proposal to reverse this immigration policy will add to an already overburdened and overwhelmed health care system. Currently. the United States denies permanent immigration status to individuals with communicable diseases of public health significance such as leprosy. syphilis. and infectious tuberculosis. These diseases are treatable compared to AIDS which is always fatal. Because HIV is always fatal. the public health consequences of allowing HIV individuals to immigrate is of the highest order. We have never before permitted immigration of those who were infected in the middle of an epidemic. We should not start now. I ask my colleagues to support my motion.
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