Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press; Saturday, April 8, 1989
Immigration Judge Robert Vinikoor said Hans Paul Verhoef had met standards required to be granted a waiver from laws barring foreigners with certain contagious diseases from entering the country.
"While I don't want to minimize the risk of AIDS, the applicant has shown there is a minimal risk to the United States if he is admitted on a temporary basis," Vinikoor said.
Orders $10,000 Bond
The judge, however, ordered Verhoef, who was detained by immigration officials last Sunday, to post a $10,000 bond to enforce the terms of the waiver, which is in effect until April 28.
Minnesota AIDS Project supporters provided money for the bond within a few hours of the judge's ruling. Verhoef hoped to fly to San Francisco in time to attend the last day of the four-day conference today.
The judge's decision overrode the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service's action earlier in the day. The INS denied Verhoef's request for a waiver to attend the conference.
"The risk of harm by an AIDS-infected alien in the absence of humanitarian reasons for the temporary admission of aliens far outweighs the privilege of an alien to enter the United States to participate in a conference," Richard Norton, associate commissioner for examinations, wrote in the INS ruling.
Seeks Emergency Appeal
The INS sought to file an emergency appeal of Vinikoor's decision, but a special immigration court turned down the bid.
The judge's ruling echoed Thursday's recommendation by the INS district director in St. Paul, who had said Verhoef should be allowed to attend the conference. The opposite stance by INS officials in Washington drew fire from Dr. Tim Wolfred, executive director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
"The INS has decided to enforce a law founded on hatred, bigotry and ignorance," he said. "This decision says the federal government has no compassion for people with HIV disease or understanding of how AIDS is transmitted."
Copyright 1997/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
890408
AP890401
Copyright © 1989 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1989. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1989. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .