The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on 22/5 a ban on lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who have traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. This measure addresses concerns about ongoing Ebola outbreaks in these nations.

The ban extends a previous 30-day entry prohibition issued on 18/5, which initially exempted US citizens, nationals, and green card holders who had visited the affected African countries.

The CDC stated that including permanent residents in the ban is crucial to prevent the Ebola virus from entering the US. This decision, it explained, seeks to balance public health protection with the effective management of emergency response resources.

Swearing-in ceremony for new US citizens in Chicago in 6/2025. *AFP*

According to a document signed by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., "The Department of Health and Human Services and CDC believe many lawful permanent residents maintain closer ties with families and communities outside the US compared to citizens and nationals. Therefore, lawful permanent residents will experience less hardship than citizens or nationals if denied entry."

Historically, green card holders have been exempt from US entry bans, including those implemented by the CDC during the Covid-19 pandemic and other directives issued by President Donald Trump.

On 22/5, the Trump administration also announced a change in its green card policy. It now requires foreigners seeking permanent residency to leave the US and return to their home countries to submit their applications. For over half a century, foreign nationals legally residing in the US were permitted to apply for and complete the entire green card process while remaining in the country.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicated this change aims to streamline efforts to locate and deport individuals who illegally remain in the US after their permanent residency requests have been denied.

The body of an Ebola victim being placed into a coffin in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 20/5. *AP*

Concurrently, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on 22/5 that the risk of the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain escalating into a national epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been elevated to "very high." The WHO has also declared the outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."

The agency has documented 750 suspected cases and 177 fatalities during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with projections indicating a continued rise in case numbers.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters, Washington Post)