Expedited Visas for Families of Attack Victims

P 200118Z SEP 01
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS PRIORITY
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
BELGRADE POUCH
FREETOWN POUCH
DUSHANBE POUCH
PRISTINA POUCH
NDJAMENA POUCH

UNCLAS STATE 162409
VISAS -- INFORM CONSULS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: VISA AND TRAVEL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILY MEMBERS OF
TERRORIST ATTACK VICTIMS, PART 2

REF: A) STATE 159441

1. As stated in reftel, posts should expedite visa
processing for family members of victims of the September
11 tragedies. The Department encourages posts to issue to
family members whenever possible under the law. Given the
sensitivity of the situation and the likelihood that
refusal of such applications will receive press attention,
conoffs should inform VO/F/P of any applications from
family members they anticipate refusing. (It is not
necessary to inform VO of refusal of applications that are
clearly bogus, that is, where post has determined that the
visa applicant has no relation to any victim of the
attacks.)

2. The Department is working with various authorities to
obtain access to lists of known and potential victims
(such as those employed at the World Trade Center). We
hope to have such information available shortly, at which
time VO/F/P will assist posts in trying to verify the bona
fides of a visa applicants claim that a relative was
among the victims.

3. Posts should refer any visa-qualified family members
of victims who were airline passengers to either American
Airlines or United Airlines for financial assistance to
travel to the U.S. Families of other victims who express
a need for financial assistance should contact the
Department of Justices Victim Assistance Program at
414-979-4800 or, from within the U.S., at 1-800-331-0075.
POWELL