GayPolitics.com has been notified that President Obama will later today officially announce the repeal of the HIV Travel and Immigration ban.  The ban, a legacy of former North Carolina senator Jesse Helms, has been in place since 1987 and will now end after a 60-day waiting period.

Immigration Equality, a group that has been advocating for the lifting of travel and immigration restrictions on persons with HIV, commented on the lifting of the ban in a press release:

“We are proud to have been part of a tremendous coalition, including Senator John Kerry, former Senator Gordon Smith, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who have worked tirelessly to repeal this ban.  Every day, Immigration Equality hears from individuals and families who have been separated because of the ban, with no benefit to the public health.  Now, those families can be reunited, and the United States can put its mouth where its money is: ending the stigma that perpetuates HIV transmission, supporting science, and welcoming those who seek to build a life in this country.  Today’s announcement is proof that immigration laws that separate families and stigmatize communities are always destined to fail.”

The repeal of the HIV ban was the result of efforts that spanned multiple Administrations.  Immigration Equality will be offering free legal counsel to those with questions about immigrating or traveling to the United States.

UPDATE:  The repeal of the HIV ban has been officially signed by President Obama.