Kagen Continues Fight to Bring Adopted Haitians Home to Northeast Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2010

KAGEN CONTINUES FIGHT TO BRING ADOPTED HAITIANS HOME TO NORTHEAST WISCONSIN

Congressman is working closely with White House, Departments of State and Homeland Security to help unite children with their families

APPLETON, WI- Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. continues to work diligently to bring adopted children trapped in Haiti home to their parents in Northeast Wisconsin.

Last week, Dr. Kagen learned of several cases in his district where families have adopted Haitian children who remain in the country recently devastated by disaster. The Congressman is personally in touch with each family affected, and members of his staff are tracking each case closely and updating the families daily with the latest information on their individual situation.

Late Friday, Dr. Kagen sent a letter to the Secretaries of Homeland Security, urging them to make these cases a priority and asking for their assistance in removing the bureaucratic blocks to bringing these children to the United States. Over the weekend, the Congressman was in regular touch with the White House and key officials at both departments to ensure that each unique cases gets adequate support navigating the process to bring their children home.

“We are continuing to do everything in our power to bring the children trapped in Haitian orphanages home to their families,” Kagen said. “I am working closely with the White House and every agency involved, pursuing each avenue possible to finally get these children to Wisconsin quickly and safely.”

So far, Congressman Kagen has been made aware of four cases in his district where families were adopting Haitian children that remain in the earthquake devastated country. The obstructions to bringing the children home to Northeast Wisconsin vary from case to case, but Dr. Kagen is helping each family breach their specific impasse so their child is able to board the next plane out of Haiti.

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