Letter: We live in Gateshead, England, and our son, who is a Talmid in BMG became engaged to a girl from Lakewood. We were unsure how we would be able to enter the USA for the chasuna. Due to Coronavirus, all UK nationals are forbidden to enter the U.S. under the White House Proclamation. The only way our family would be able to come in for the chasuna was to quarantine in a “neutral” city for 2 weeks, and then come to the U.S. from there.
With extensive planning we prepared to go to Mexico City to quarantine, and traveled there the day after Shavuos. After the tremendous hassle of a two-week quarantine with a family of children, we were elated to finally be on the way to the U.S. for the wedding. Imagine our devastation when, the morning of the flight, we received an email that all of our children’s visas were summarily cancelled, just like that, with no explanation given. We had heard plenty of stories where family members ended up missing the wedding in similar situations and were hoping this wouldn’t become our situation too.
We reached out to BMG and were astonished how they immediately put us in touch with high-level staff in Congressman Smith’s office, who dropped everything to work on our case with the Border Patrol. Imagine our relief and gratitude when the Congressman’s staff called just 40 minutes before the flight with the incredible news that they had gotten the visas reinstated and we should run to the gate!
We’ve been told that we are just one of hundreds of stories, for whom the Congressman’s staff has gone above and beyond. And yet, in our time of need, they treated us like we were the only one! Without the kind help of Congressman Smith and his dedicated staff especially, Ms. Jo Schloeder and Ms. Jessica Rohr, WE COULDN’T HAVE ENJOYED THE SIMCHA! Thank you to Congressman Smith and the various askanim who were involved in helping our family through this saga. Lakewood residents should feel fortunate to have such a dedicated and compassionate Representative!
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Chris Smith is a true hero. That rare elected official who truly works, and I mean works, for the people. May G-d bless him, his family, and his staff.
Congressman Smith is a true friend to not only the frum community but to all his constituents. Thank you to him and his staff for always going the extra mile, often without any recognition.
Chris Smith is nicer to Jews than some self-hating Jews are!
I agree. Chris smith should be blessed with the strength to continue his work in good health. He is caring and sympathetic to all. I have had very positive experiences for which our family is very grateful. Thank you Megan as well. We are fortunate to have such selfless individuals as our gov officials.
God bless you with all good
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Chris Smith & Megan have been a huge help in getting me my unemployment $ owed. Without them I’d still be calling unemployment.