MIAMI (AP) — Some members of Florida’s congressional delegation are asking federal officials to help more Haitians get visas to live and work in the U.S.
A letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano asks the administration to fast-track visas for tens of thousands of Haitians already on waiting lists for the documents needed to join relatives in this country.
The letter also asks that certain low-skilled, temporary worker visas be extended to Haiti.
U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio both signed the letter. So did six U.S. representatives, including Frederica Wilson, whose Miami district represents more Haitians than any other in Congress.
They argue that money Haitians granted these visas could send home would be vital to Haiti’s recovery from a 2010 earthquake.
