Expedited Entry and TPS for Bahamians

Floor Speech

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Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support, strong support, for the people of the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Residents of the Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands are in a desperate situation.

This is a humanitarian crisis, the likes of which has never before faced the Bahamas. I am grateful for the efforts of the USAID and the U.S. Coast Guard, which have been instrumental in leading search-and- rescue efforts and providing emergency food assistance to Bahamians.

As the chair of the House Committee on Financial Services and co- chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, I strongly support an expedited U.S. visa application process or a waiver process for Bahamians who are seeking to enter the U.S., and I am extremely supportive of the extension of the Temporary Protected Status designation for all Bahamians who cannot safely return to the Bahamas.

Displaced Bahamians must be treated with respect, and all applications for visas must be processed efficiently and in an emergency manner. The road to recovery for Bahamians will be long and difficult, but all Bahamians must be treated with respect.

Madam Speaker, the United States is standing with the Bahamas during this difficult time. We will do all that we can to aid in the recovery efforts in the coming weeks and months.

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