Tick, Tock'

Although Congress approved and President Bush signed legislation this past summer to end the nation's policy barring entry to all HIV-positive foreigners, the ban is still effectively in place. Until the Department of Health and Human Services writes a new immigration rule -- and submits it for public comment -- HIV will remain on a list of conditions that bar entry, according to AIDS advocates. An HHS spokeswoman said the agency plans to have a new regulation in place before Bush leaves office, on January 20.