PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A south Florida state representative is calling for easing restrictions on visas for Bahamians so they can seek shelter with family members in the U.S.
“These individuals are looking to just be in a position to get the help that’s needed,” says Shevrin Jones, a Democrat from Broward County.
Jones reached out to Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Rick Scott and both have lobbied for some limited easing of the requirements.
“I have a cousin were trying to get out but she doesn’t have any documentation,” says Bernard Smith, who was helping a relief effort in Lake Worth.
Smith says many Bahamians lost passports and documentation in Hurricane Dorian.
Representative Jones says the decision on the visa requirements is now up to the White House. He says many Bahamians who would come to Florida do want to return to their homes in the Bahamas.
“It’s just temporary it is not for long periods of time,” Jones says.