HIV/AIDS Travel Ban Lifted in US

Jan 5, 2010

January 4, 2010, marked a critical moment: the official end of the HIV/AIDS related entry, stay and residence restrictions (aka, the “travel ban”) in place since 1987. NASW Social Work Speaks policy statements clearly support the removal of the ban, and views this and related restrictions as discriminatory and limiting a client’s right to care and treatment.

Social workers and allied professions have long viewed the travel ban as an affront to individual rights. Experiences of clients range from not being able to re-unite with family, friends, or partners because of that person’s HIV status to limiting equal access to health and behavioral health care services.

The ban also resulted in persons with HIV/AIDS denying they were living with a chronic illness. And for untold thousands, the ban limited their ability to apply for citizenship and work visas.

The lifting of the travel ban is a necessary next step in the ongoing efforts to address and stop the stigma and discrimination universally experienced by persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Have 8 Minutes? Share Your Thoughts on Client Substance Use

Feb 3, 2026

We’re listening! We want to learn about your work with clients on alcohol and other substance use. In just eight minutes, you can help us better train and educate social workers who serve clients at risk for substance-related problems, including substance use...

Recent Child Care Updates

Jan 29, 2026

Since the start of the new year there have been several new developments regarding child care. Childcare has been a consistent conversation among parents, social workers, child advocates, and the childcare workforce because the costs of care are rising. Without affordable child care, some parents leave the workforce, and some spend more than 7% of their income on care while paying for other necessities. Childcare is plagued with long waitlists, low compensation for workers and some rural communities have few options to access care.

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