The Trump administration has announced a temporary pause on the removal of refugees to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to a spiraling Ebola outbreak.
Why it matters: The decision comes as the DRC faces a serious health crisis, raising concerns about the safety of deporting individuals to affected regions.
At least one woman, Adriana Zapata, 55, who fled Colombia for the US, was sent to Kinshasa over a month ago, complicating her situation.
A US judge ordered her return to the US, but officials claim they cannot bring her back due to the newly instituted Ebola travel ban.
Experts argue that sending individuals to countries with active Ebola outbreaks poses legal and health risks, potentially spreading the virus closer to US borders.
Driving the news: A travel ban was implemented on Monday, preventing green-card holders from entering the US if they have traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the last 21 days.
The order aims to prevent Ebola from entering US borders, following a previously announced restriction that exempted US citizens and lawful permanent residents.
The Department of Health and Human Services and CDC determined that prohibiting entry for certain lawful permanent residents is necessary for public health.
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, emphasized that the primary goal is to prevent Ebola from affecting the United States.
State of play: The DRC's Ebola outbreak has escalated, with the World Health Organization declaring it an emergency of international concern.
As of now, there are 82 confirmed cases in the DRC, with seven confirmed deaths and nearly 750 suspected cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
Ten African countries are considered at risk of Ebola spread, including Angola, Kenya, and Tanzania, according to the Africa CDC.
In the DRC, residents have attacked health centers treating Ebola patients, complicating containment efforts.
The big picture: The US government has previously evacuated individuals from Ebola-affected regions, including those with active cases.
Experts like Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International, question the logic behind deporting individuals to regions with known outbreaks.
Konyndyk stated, "If it is not safe for people to come from there to here, it is equally unsafe to send people there."
Adriana Zapata's case highlights the legal and ethical dilemmas involved in deportation during a health crisis.
What they're saying: Advocates and experts express concerns over the implications of the travel ban and deportation policies.
Lauren O’Neal, Zapata’s lawyer, voiced her fears, saying, "I don’t want her to die before we can get her back here."
Camille Mackler, an immigration lawyer, noted that deporting individuals to countries where they face persecution raises serious legal issues.
Yael Schacher from Refugees International called for a restoration of health-related humanitarian funding to combat the Ebola outbreak effectively.
By the numbers: The CDC has expanded its Ebola screening protocols significantly in response to the outbreak.
Green-card holders are currently banned from entering the US if they visited affected regions within the last 21 days.
The initial duration of this ban is set for 30 days, pending evaluation of the outbreak.
Enhanced screening measures now include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport, in addition to Washington-Dulles.
Between the lines: The pause in deportations reflects both health concerns and legal ramifications surrounding immigration enforcement.
Experts estimate that between 8,000 and 15,000 people have been moved to third countries from the US recently.
Sending detainees far from their homes raises questions about their care and safety, especially in light of the Ebola outbreak.
The government has faced criticism for not providing adequate medical care to detained immigrants, raising fears of virus transmission.
What's next: The situation remains fluid as the US government navigates public health and immigration enforcement challenges.
Officials will monitor the outbreak closely and may adjust travel restrictions based on the situation's evolution.
The CDC continues to implement screening protocols to manage the risk of Ebola entering the US.
As the DRC outbreak progresses, the US may need to reconsider its deportation policies to align with public health safety.