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Dear neighbor, 

In the past week, we’ve witnessed tragedy across the globe. I would like to send love, strength, and healing to all of those affected in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Afghanistan in addition to anyone in our district who may have friends or family in those respective countries. 

Many of our neighbors are from the Caribbean, so when tragedy strikes the islands, it hits home. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on Saturday, wreaking havoc on the island, with tremors felt in neighboring countries such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The death toll has risen as rescue efforts continue — I send my sincerest condolences to all who lost a loved one.

It is clear that Haiti will need as much support as possible to recover from the destruction caused by this earthquake, complicated by the fact that they’re still recovering from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the recent assassination of President Jovenel. President Biden is already committed to sending aid as the nation recovers and rebuilds. I will do my best to support any efforts from our federal government in providing relief to Haiti. 

We are also watching Afghanistan closely, as the Taliban overtakes Kabul. My hope is that all troops are able to get home safely and my office is working on a small number of cases on behalf of constituents to ensure that happens. I also stand with the people of Afghanistan who are now under more immediate threat from the Taliban. As a country that prides itself on liberty, it is important that we let Afghanistan determine its own fate. And that fate should be one based in nonviolence, empowerment of women and girls, and places the people over dogma. 

As the situation continues, more Afghan people will look to the U.S. for refuge. I am a strong supporter and co-sponsor of the ALLIES Act which  authorizes an additional 8,000 Afghan Special Immigrant Visas — covering all potentially eligible applicants currently in the pipeline — and makes additional improvements to the visas. My colleagues and I were also successful in lifting the refugee cap earlier this year from the prior president’s inhumane level of 25,000. Thanks to our collective advocacy, President Biden committed to increasing that cap to 125,000 at the end of the year, and we will work to ensure we reach and (if needed) surpass this number. Refugees and asylum seekers are welcome here; and this is not just a pithy. It must come with policy change. 

Many of our neighbors have reached out concerned about Tropical Storm Grace, making landfall today in the Dominican Republic. We are keeping a close eye on the situation and are here to support constituents as needed. 

My office will keep you updated as we receive more updates throughout the week. My heart goes out to those in the Caribbean and Afghanistan. May we find peace soon. 

As always if you have any questions and/or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to my office - information for each of my offices is below. I look forward to continuing to serve you. 

Peace and Love, 

Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)