Tourists and 'Aids Waivers'

I read the oddest thing in our paper this evening ...

This is not not not a 'slam' again my American neighbours - nope, not a bit of it as they, just like I, am not responsible for our Government's 'oddities'.

And I do find this odd. If a Canadian (or anyone from another Country) is entering the States and they have Aids, they must pay a "$131.00 Waiver". This waiver then entitled them to enter the States twice in a 6 month period.

Hmmm, I've zipped back and forth across the border between our two Countries ever so many times - and never been asked if I have Aids. (I don't, thank goodness!). Nor do I understand how paying a 'waiver' does anything. Do people with TB pay a waiver?? Yup, all very confusing.

 

That is not only an odd situation for which I assume there must be some explanation (what I don't know) but $131.00? Why not $132.45? Makes no sense.

 

It is odd and what really stumps me is trying to figure out why it was put into place ... surely the waiver fee isn't enough to cover medical costs if one with Aids does become ill while visiting the States and even stranger, the bureaucrat that created this - well, suspect he's never heard picking on one specific illness is undoubtedly a no no with the Human Rights Commission.