U.S. government requirements create challenge for Bahamians trying to evacuate

Letting some people in, and keeping others out.

The United States Government says it’s not changed its travel and visa requirements as desperate Bahamians try to get off the islands ravaged by Hurricane Dorian.

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 people who met the criteria made it to Florida over the weekend.

One of those people is Iris Smith. She made it to the U.S. from Abaco.

“They had everything waiting for us. They had everything every man, woman and children needed to, you know, to make us feel comfortable,” said Smith.

She is just one of 80 evacuees staying at a hotel in Jupiter. Another 60 are staying at a Palm Beach County shelter led by the American Red Cross.

“I think everybody is recognizing that it’s unlikely that they’re going to be able to head back to the Bahamas anytime soon,” said Red Cross national spokesperson, Craig Cooper.

That’s why so many others are trying to get here, but if they don’t have a visa, it’s tough.

Visas are not required for people flying to the U.S. The problem is the airports in Freeport and Grand Bahama are still dealing with catastrophic damage.

“These people are lucky to leave with shoes on their feet and clothing on their backs, so the challenges they’re facing are to have documentation,” said Cooper.

Even with calls form Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott to loosen visa requirements, the Trump Administration has not responded. So for now, the U.S. continues to require visas, passports and a clean criminal history to come here.

Governor Ron DeSantis says there’s nothing he can do. “The idea that it should be the state’s responsibility, if you think that, then you have no idea how our system of government works.”

The challenge now for evacuees who make it here? “Get their kids into school, figure out what types of, you know, longer term living options they might have,” said Cooper.

“I broke down and cried because if I depended on my government, i’d still be in Abaco,” said Smith. Still among the thousands waiting for help.