Omanghana
The United States government has expanded its emergency Ebola-related travel restrictions, temporarily suspending entry for lawful permanent residents — commonly known as Green Card holders — who have recently traveled through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa and follows a heightened international health risk assessment by the World Health Organization.
Under a new interim final rule issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the restrictions will remain in effect through at least mid-June as authorities monitor the evolving outbreak situation.
The directive, signed by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., marks a significant expansion of previous emergency measures.
While Green Card holders had generally been exempt from earlier travel restrictions, U.S. officials say the new policy reflects concerns over the 21-day Ebola incubation period and the need to manage potential exposure risks associated with travelers maintaining strong ties to affected countries.
Authorities clarified that the 30-day measure is temporary and grants the federal government discretionary powers to contain the spread of the virus rather than imposing a permanent immigration ban.
The policy shift follows a “very high” outbreak risk assessment issued by the World Health Organization regarding the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Health experts note that the Bundibugyo strain presents additional concerns because there are currently no fully approved vaccines or targeted therapeutic treatments specifically designed for this variant.
Officials say the absence of established medical countermeasures has increased pressure on governments to rely heavily on containment strategies, travel controls, and aggressive screening measures.
Although lawful permanent residents and certain foreign nationals are affected by the temporary suspension, U.S. citizens remain exempt from the restrictions.
However, American travelers returning from the affected regions must now enter the country through designated screening airports, including:
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH)
These airports have been equipped to conduct enhanced health screenings and monitoring procedures for incoming passengers from high-risk areas.
In an additional operational adjustment, U.S. authorities have also temporarily suspended deportation flights to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Officials say the decision is intended to reduce exposure risks for immigration personnel, airline crews, and deportees while public health agencies continue monitoring the outbreak.
The expanded restrictions underscore growing international concern over the Ebola situation and signal the possibility of additional containment measures if the outbreak worsens in the coming weeks.
Source: Omanghana
