• U.S. Tightens Health Restrictions
  • Green Cards Under Review
  • CDC Strengthens Airport Controls

U.S. health authorities announced new entry restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

Why it matters: The measure expands the authority of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.

It also represents a tightening of the immigration and health policy promoted by Donald Trump’s administration.

The new provisions could affect lawful permanent residents who have recently traveled to countries affected by the virus.

CDC Expands Ebola Travel Restrictions

The new rule was published on Friday, according to El Financiero.

The document allows the CDC to temporarily prevent entry for lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green card holders.

The restriction would apply to those who have traveled to countries where Ebola continues to spread.

The measure is part of the U.S. government’s response to the outbreak reported in Central Africa.

Authorities link the outbreak to hundreds of cases and 177 suspected deaths.

The CDC said the provision is intended to strengthen health controls at the border.

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The rule also expands the restrictions announced earlier this week.

Those measures already barred entry into the United States for people who had been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan during the previous 21 days.

However, that initial order did not apply to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents.

With the new change, green card holders could now be subject to temporary entry limits under the new green card restrictions.

Health Screenings Increase at Airports

The CDC also expanded health entry screenings at U.S. airports.

The screenings began at Washington Dulles International Airport.

One day later, authorities extended the measures to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The organization reported the expansion of those controls on Saturday.

The screenings include both U.S. citizens and residents.

Health authorities maintain that current restrictions have not been enough to completely prevent the international spread of the virus.

The interim rule states that international travelers and others crossing borders could still contribute to the spread of the disease.

For that reason, the CDC considers greater authority necessary to limit entry when needed.

The document also cites resource limitations to justify the measure.

According to the rule, permanent residents often maintain ties with people outside the United States.

Authorities believe that this reduces the impact of temporarily preventing their return to the country.

“The Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC determined that the best balance” is to grant additional authority to the agency, the rule states.

International Criticism Over New Measures

The U.S. government’s strategy prompted criticism from African health authorities.

Regional representatives called on the international community to strengthen efforts to contain the outbreak directly in Central Africa.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also criticized the travel restrictions.

The organization said such measures are often unnecessary and ineffective.

The U.S. order also came after another immigration change promoted by the Trump administration.

That adjustment now requires permanent residents to leave the United States to apply for green card renewal.

The new green card restrictions could remain in place indefinitely.

However, the CDC clarified that the measure does not amount to a permanent entry ban for affected permanent residents.

The agency said the limitations would apply only when necessary to contain health risks.