October 30, 2009 Obama lifts ban on U.S. entry for those with HIV

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is lifting the United States' travel ban for those who are HIV-positive.

Obama said Friday that the order will be finalized on Monday, completing a process begun during the Bush administration. The U.S. has been one of only about a dozen countries that bar entry to travelers based on their HIV status. The ban has been in place for over 20 years.

The announcement came during Obama's signing of an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS bill.

At a small ceremony at the White House, Obama signed legislation that authorizes the program created in 1990 to continue. The government's Ryan White program provides medical care, medication and support services to about a half a million people, most low-income.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)