10/15/2024
Sharing with a letter from Senator Murphy's office.
Good afternoon,
I wanted share an update from our office on that you are welcome to distribute to The Ehden Lebanese American Club members as you see fit.
As our office continues to closely monitor the events unfolding in the Middle East, including Lebanon, I wanted to reach out to share some updates and information we hope will be a helpful resource for members of the Lebanese community across Connecticut.
First, Senator Murphy and our staff remain in close contact with officials from the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and foreign governments to stay up-to-date with developments on the ground. In a statement released, Senator Murphy said that he is deeply concerned about the rapid escalation of hostilities and believes the best way to prevent all-out war in the region is by prioritizing the safety of Lebanese civilians and reaching a lasting diplomatic solution that allows civilian populations on both sides to safely return home. For the full statement, please click here.
Additionally, our team has compiled available information and resources for individuals and their families currently in Lebanon, which is currently available on our website here. For your reference, we have also included the most up-to-date information below and encourage you to distribute to friends, family, and peers who are also seeking timely, accurate, and up-to-date information about how to remain safe. Please continue to monitor our website for additional updates.
The State Department has issued a Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel for Lebanon. All U.S. citizens are urged to depart Lebanon immediately while limited commercial flight options remain available. For more information about scheduled departures, please visit the Rafic Hariri International Airport’s website, which can be accessed here. Due to the unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict, U.S. government personnel may be limited in their ability provide emergency services in all areas of the country.
Additionally, any U.S. citizens in southern Lebanon, near the borders with Syria, or in refugee settlements should depart those areas immediately.
As of September 28th, the Department of State has ordered the departure of non-mission-employed Eligible Family Members (EFMs) and authorized departure for mission-employed EFMs. U.S. Embassy personnel are also restricted from personal travel without advanced permission.
The State Department is currently offering limited departure assistance for U.S. citizens and certain Lawful Permanent Residents in Lebanon who request support. The Department has asked that all interested parties register to receive more information by completing the applicable Crisis Intake Form, which is available on their website here. At this time, the Department is only able to offer assistance to U.S. citizens and accompanying immediate family who meet required criteria.
The State Department has also asked that any U.S. citizens traveling to impacted countries enroll their contact information in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which you can complete here. Enrolling in STEP allows you to receive important information about safety conditions and will assist the Embassy, family, and friends in contacting you during an emergency.
For those who remain inside Lebanon, the State Department recommends all Americans take the following actions for their security:
Avoid demonstrations and any large gatherings of people;
Avoid crowds.
Monitor local media for updates and avoid areas where violence, demonstrations, or disruptions are reported to be happening.
Keep a low profile.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Avoid being outside after dark.
Stay alert in areas frequented by foreign visitors.
Review your personal security plans.
Have travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible.
Carry proper identification.
For the latest updates from the Department of State, please monitor messages for U.S. citizens from the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon here.
Due to the ongoing security situation, the U.S. Embassy Beirut is currently only offering emergency visa services.
If you have reasons to believe that you or any of your family members are in imminent danger, please contact the local Internal Security Forces at 112.
You may contact the U.S. Embassy Beirut at the below:
Address:
Awkar – Facing the Municipality
Main Street
Beirut, Lebanon
Telephone: +(961) 4-542600 or +(961) 4-543600
Emergency phone number: +(961) 4-543600
Fax: +(961) 4-544209
American Citizen Services: [email protected]
In addition to the resources provided above, our office has a dedicated constituent services team who is standing by to assist with any inquiries, including questions about consular services and visas. To submit a request to our casework team, please complete and immigration-specific privacy release form.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices in Hartford or in Washington, DC.
You can reach the Hartford office at (860) 549-8463.
You can reach the D.C. office at (202) 224-4041.
Office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy
120 Huyshope Avenue, Suite 401
Hartford, CT 06106
Office: 860-549-8467
Cell: 860-798-1518
