SAN DIEGO -- President Obama's plan to lift a 22-year-old ban on entry into the U.S. for HIV-infected visitors is good news for one San Diego family, 10News reported.

Maria's 27-year-old cousin, Mark, recently told her about his HIV diagnosis as the two blew out his birthday candles in London.

"It was a real shock; he just kept crying and he wouldn't stop," said Maria.

After she suggested Mark, a Mexican citizen, should visit his family in San Diego, Maria said, "He burst into more tears, and said, 'I don't think I'll ever be able to visit you guys.'"

Standing in Mark's way was a two-decade-old policy enacted during the height of the AIDS crisis that banned visits to the U.S. for those living with HIV.

Raul Rordan, diagnosed with HIV more than a decade ago, said the ban adds to the stigma.

"It's discriminatory. It sends wrong messages out that we are less than … we're second-class citizens," said Rordan.

For Mark, Maria said, "It makes him feel less than human."

However, it was a far different feeling after President Obama announced the ban would be lifted by the end of the year, which could lead to less stigma and more people seeking treatment.

"He's very excited, happy," said Maria.

For Maria, the emotion is overwhelming knowing Mark will no longer have to go through this alone.

"Just knowing he's so far away and he needs family support right now," said Maria.

The U.S. is one of a dozen countries that bar entry for HIV/AIDS-infected visitors.