As of today, HHS has issued an interim final rule revising the authority under 42 CFR Part 71.40, which temporarily limits the entry of specific people into the United States to help stop the spread of dangerous diseases. The revised rule now applies the ability to suspend introduction into the United States to U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Given the current Ebola outbreak, this means lawful permanent residents who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days are prevented from entering the United States.

The rule does not permanently bar lawful permanent residents from returning to the United States. Instead, it gives CDC discretionary authority to restrict entry when needed and allowed by law. Applying this authority to lawful permanent residents for a limited period of time provides a balance between protecting public health and managing emergency response resources.

During rapidly evolving outbreaks of highly dangerous diseases, this option is required to protect public health. Some lawful permanent residents may have close family or community ties abroad and may travel more frequently to affected regions. That travel can increase the chance of exposure to disease.