If I'm a green card holder and I intend to travel overseas you state here that I might not be allowed back into the country! my question is how does the US government knows my HIV status? Please help.

The National Immigration Project's publication "HIV/AIDS and Immigrants: A manual for service providers, 2004 Edition" states that "Lawful permanent residents (those with a "green card") who plan to travel outside the United States should be aware that all the inadmissibility grounds apply to them, including the HIV and public charge grounds, if they are gone for more than 180 days or have committed criminal acts in the US or abroad. Individuals in these categories should meet with an immigration advocate before they leave the United States. In practice, however, some immigration officials at the border may subject HIV positive lawful permanent residents to additional delays or scrutiny, even those who have left for less than 180 days or have not committed criminal acts."

If you have not previously undergone an HIV test through DHS or any other immigration-related public health service it is unlikely that they would know your status. It is important to have an immigration advocate who can help you with any questions or concerns you may have about re-entering the country if you are carrying anti-HIV medication with you.

Lynne Gabriel