Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening for Immigrant Entry Into the United States: A Narrative Review of Current...

Many immigrants coming to the United States (US) are screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) according to national professional agency guidelines. Some curable infections such as gonorrhea and syphilis can preclude entry to the US, whereas testing for other infections, such as chlamydia, is not required for immigration screening. We critically review the rationale for and the practice of immigration STI screening at a time when common STIs are both readily treatable and already widespread in the US and when many individuals resettling in the US migrate through irregular pathways. In addition, we provide suggestions to improve current practices for immigrants, with a focus on distress migration, which may be associated with hazards leading to sexual violence and stigmatization. Recent actions by the federal government have also compounded structural stigma regarding immigration and health care and could negatively impact broader public health goals.