The Division of Global Migration and Quarantine is committed to reducing morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases among immigrants, refugees, international travelers, and other mobile populations that cross international borders. In addition, the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine is committed to promoting border health and preventing the introduction of infectious agents into the United States. Find out more...

Revised Vaccination Criteria for U.S. Immigration

On November 13, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted a Federal Register Notice revising the vaccination criteria for U.S. immigration. CDC will use this criteria for vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to decide which vaccines will be required for U.S. immigration. The criteria will be used at regular periods, as needed, by CDC.

Final Rule Removing HIV Infection from U.S. Immigration Screening

On November 2, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a final rule that removes HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance. As a result, HIV infection will not prevent non-U.S. citizens from entering the United States. Further, HIV testing will no longer be required for U.S. immigration medical screening.

CDC has updated the 2007 TB TI document. [PDF - 40 pages]

Panel physicians screening according to the 2007 Tuberculosis Technical Instructions should now screen according to this updated document, beginning October 1, 2009.

Addendum to the 2007 Tuberculosis Technical Instructions

CDC has developed these addendum instructions for travel clearances for 10 years of age or younger.

Facts for Parents Adopting Overseas

Adopting a child from overseas is a very long and complex process, and CDC understands the concerns of adoptive parents, adoption agencies, and advocates. CDC must balance the need to protect the health of immigrant applicants, the needs of U.S.-bound families, and the health of those in the United States. Thus, CDC sets guidelines to protect all these groups from the spread of serious disease. To learn more about medical screening for adoptees and other immigrants, please read the following FAQs »

Notice of Rescission Prohibiting the Importation of Birds now effective

Specific Topics

• Animal Importation
  
  
• Field Operations
  
  
• History of DGMQ
  
  
• Immigrant, Refugee and Migrant Health
  Including examination of aliens, Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan, Hmong, and Somali Bantu refugees

• Isolation and Quarantine
  Fact sheets about isolation and quarantine–
  updated December 2007
  
  
• Laws and Regulations
  United States federal laws and orders, international agreements, legal authorities, public health law resources
  
  
• Mission of DGMQ
  
  
• Quarantine Stations

News and Highlights

• Explore Travel Health with the New 2010 Yellow Book!
  New edition of the trusted travel health reference is now online
  
  
• Proposed Removal of HIV Entry Ban–Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM)
  Comment period now closed
  
  
• Notice of Proposed Vaccination Criteria for U.S. Immigration
  Comment period now closed
  
  
• 1918 Pandemic Flu Analysis
  

• Notice of Rescission of February 4, 2004, Order and Subsequent Amendments Prohibiting the Importation of Birds and Bird Products from Specified Countries
  Comment period now closed
  
  
• Revision of 42 CFR Part 34 (Medical Examination of Aliens) Updated Screening for Communicable Disease of Public Health Significance - Interim Final Rule (IFR)
  Comment period now closed
  
  
• 2007 Technical Instructions for Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment
  

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