WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with Congressmen Mike Flood (NE-01), Cory Mills (FL-07), John Curtis (UT-03), and Andy Ogles (TN-05), to the newly installed Haitian Prime Minister, the Honorable Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, imploring the Haitian Government to expedite processing and departures for approximately 70 children being adopted by American families. This is the latest in a series of letters led by Congressman Pfluger urging action by the Government of Haiti, Department of State and Department of Homeland Security in response to the rapidly deteriorating security environment in Haiti. Mounting gang violence is placing these vulnerable adoptees at grave risk as they await processing of administrative requirements in the capital city, Port-au-Prince.

The lawmakers wrote, "We are reaching out to you to ask for your consideration and approval for the evacuation of the approximately 70 Haitian children currently in the adoption process with American families, a dozen of whom are being adopted by their Haitian-American blood relatives. Under the Hague Convention for the Protection of Children, the regulations allow for the adoption to be finalized in the sending country or the receiving country confirming that there is a legal pathway for this to be accomplished. We respectfully petition for your involvement in the collaboration between Haitian authorities and the U.S. government to facilitate this evacuation immediately. This request is made with the utmost consideration for the safety and well-being of the Haitian children, allowing them to complete the adoption process from the United States. 

Read the full text of the letter here.