US pauses refugee removals to DRC amid Ebola outbreak
Quick Look
The Trump administration pauses refugee removals to the DRC due to an Ebola outbreak, but experts say this won't prevent the spread of the disease and may put immigrants at risk
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Why It Matters
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has been ongoing since 2018, with over 2,000 cases reported. The Trump administration has been criticized for its handling of the outbreak, including its decision to pause refugee removals to the DRC.
The Trump administration will temporarily pause the removal of refugees to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a spiraling Ebola outbreak, according to reporting by Politico, but experts say the move won’t help prevent the spread of the disease.
At least one woman is now in limbo after officials moved her to Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, and now say they won’t bring her back because of the Ebola travel ban – despite a judge’s order for her return.
Adriana Zapata, 55, fled Colombia to the US, but she was sent to Kinshasa over a month ago – even though the DRC said it could not care for her complex medical needs. A US judge ordered her return to the US, but American officials are saying they cannot bring her back because of the travel ban instituted on Monday.
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Open Questions
- What will happen to the refugees who have already been removed to the DRC?
- How will the Trump administration ensure the safety of immigrants and refugees during the Ebola outbreak?
