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Rep. Sherrill Assists in Safe Return of New Jersey Residents to the United States

April 25, 2020

Parsippany, NJ -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced today that her office has successfully worked for the safe return of 29 constituents and family members of constituents traveling and living abroad. Rep. Sherrill's office helped New Jerseyans who were in Peru, Morocco, Egypt, Portugal, Japan, New Zealand, Haiti, India and Pakistan, including constituents on cruise ships and students on study abroad programs.

"My team has worked tirelessly to help Americans abroad in any way we can in this difficult moment,"said Representative Sherrill. "From partnering with the State Department to navigating the repatriation process with our constituents, bringing home New Jerseyans who want to return has been a priority for us in this difficult time. If anyone has family members looking to return home to the United States, please reach out to my office or go to my website where you will find information on how to initiate the repatriation process."

Representative Sherrill successfully helped the Sullivan family from Wayne bring home their daughter, Grace Shelene, from Haiti. The Sullivans were days away from adopting Grace when travel restrictions started and passport processing halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Sullivans were anxious to get her home to New Jersey as soon as possible. Representative Sherrill's team worked with the State Department to expedite Grace's passport and visa so her adoption wouldn't be delayed during these uncertain times.

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The Sullivan Family in Wayne, New Jersey

"We are so grateful to Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill's office for their help in advocating for our adopted daughter Grace," said Brian Sullivan. "Their work with the State Department and U.S. Embassy in Haiti resulted in Grace's Haitian passport and U.S. visa being processed just in time to get Grace on a repatriation flight to the U.S. during the COVID-19 outbreak. We were truly blown away by the effort and concern of their team and we are forever grateful."

Representative Sherrill's office provided daily updates to constituents on country conditions and travel advisories. The office also communicated constituents' medical conditions and needs to the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Department of State has coordinated the repatriation of more than 67,000 Americans from 124 countries since January 29, 2020.

Representative Sherrill has included a page on her website for constituents with travel-related issues. Please click here for more information on how to receive State Department updates, how to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and how to contact the Start Department hotline set up to help American Citizens abroad.

Issues:Coronavirus