Gov. Pritzker asks State Department to give evacuation plans for U.S. citizens in the Middle East

CHICAGO (WAND) - Governor JB Pritzker is pressing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar to take federal action to protect U.S. citizens stranded in the Middle East.

Pritzker sent a letter to Secretary Rubio expressing concern that there is no plan to help stranded Americans amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran.

"Americans are stranded abroad, and we all have a responsibility to do everything in our power to safely get them home," Governor Pritzker said. "There are parents trying to get back to their children, workers who need to return to their jobs, and families facing serious financial and logistical challenges. The federal government must immediately provide clear guidance and a plan to help Americans safely leave the region. Our country shares an urgent obligation to help get stranded Americans home."

Pritzker called on the State Department to:

Announce a public commitment and plan to use charter flights, military aircraft, or both to help Americans trying to leave the region
Explore emergency contracts with charter companies or commercial airlines to expand transportation options for Americans seeking to depart.
Issue clear guidance to Americans abroad on how to register, schedule, and safely access flights or other transportation out of the region.
Identify safe locations for temporary diplomatic posts in areas where U.S. embassies have been attacked or destroyed.
Authorize the emergency deployment of additional Foreign Service officers to support embassy staff and assist Americans seeking help.

The Governor said the State of Illinois and members of the state's congressional delegation have received numerous requests from Illinois residents and U.S. citizens looking for help after being unable to get information or support from federal authorities.

Governor Pritzker encourages Americans stuck in the Middle East to monitor official State Department communications for updates and safety information.

The U.S. Department of State announced an official WhatsApp channel to provide alerts and guidance. You can follow the channel here.

Americans traveling or residing abroad are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier for U.S. officials to contact them in an emergency:

Americans who need consular assistance can call 24/7:
+1-202-501-4444 (from abroad)
+1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).
Americans abroad should also stay up to date with the State Department’s latest Travel Advisories and security alerts.