Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has called on the U.S. State Department to accelerate efforts to aid American citizens evacuate the Middle East, citing growing concerns and a lack of sufficient support for those seeking to exit the region. Pritzker sent a letter Wednesday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar, detailing concerns raised by Illinois constituents.
In the letter, first obtained by CBS News, Pritzker stated that Illinois lawmakers have received “numerous requests from U.S. Citizens seeking additional support to return to the United States.” He urged the State Department to announce a concrete plan to utilize charter flights or military aircraft to assist Americans attempting to depart, and to explore emergency contracts with charter companies or commercial airlines to expand transportation options.
Pritzker as well requested that the State Department provide clear guidance on how Americans can register for and access available flights, identify safe locations for temporary diplomatic posts in areas where U.S. Embassies have been attacked or destroyed, and authorize the emergency deployment of additional Foreign Service officers to support embassy staff and assist citizens in require.
The State Department, responding to inquiries about Pritzker’s letter, referenced a recent media release outlining their ongoing work to assist citizens leaving the region. Officials also pointed to social media posts promoting the department’s task force hotline and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows embassies and consulates to contact Americans abroad.
According to the State Department, approximately 9,000 American citizens have safely returned from the Middle East since the start of the conflict. Yet, around 1,500 citizens are currently requesting assistance with their departure, while an estimated one million Americans remain in the region, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The State Department has advised Americans to leave 14 countries across the Middle East and announced Tuesday it would waive reimbursement requirements for travel expenses. The department is currently facilitating charter flights from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Egypt.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Tuesday that logistical challenges, including attacks on airports and airspace closures, are hindering evacuation efforts. State Department staff held a briefing call with congressional and gubernatorial offices regarding the situation in Iran, according to two sources who participated in the call.
One source on the call indicated that the State Department did not provide sufficient detail regarding evacuation procedures or instill confidence that a comprehensive plan is in place to transport stranded Americans.
The State Department has provided contact numbers for Americans needing assistance: +1-202-501-4444 from abroad and +1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. And Canada.
