Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued an interim final rule revising authority under 42 CFR Part 71.40, temporarily restricting entry into the United States to help prevent the spread of dangerous diseases. The updated regulation now includes U.S. lawful permanent residents, or green card holders.
Under the new rule, lawful permanent residents who have traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days are temporarily barred from entering the United States due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. This restriction is not permanent; it grants the CDC authority to suspend entry as necessary during public health emergencies, consistent with applicable law.
The CDC said that extending this authority to lawful permanent residents for a limited time aims to balance public health protections with emergency response needs. Some lawful permanent residents may travel frequently to affected regions and could be at increased risk of Ebola exposure.
The interim rule states that during fast-moving outbreaks of highly dangerous diseases, such measures are needed to protect public health.