The Subcommittee on Libraries and Youth Affairs, which has oversight of the Office on African Affairs, recognizes and celebrates the current visit of U.S. President Joseph R. Biden to the Republic of Angola: the first-ever visit of a U.S. President to Angola, and the first visit of a U.S. President to Sub-Saharan Africa in almost a decade. As my office has heard from African Washingtonians, this visit is an important step in strengthening U.S.-African relations. The visit also presents a vital opportunity to expand immigration relief (Temporary Protected Status) to include Angolans and other Central African nations facing instability, and grant Special Humanitarian Parole to Cameroonians currently fleeing violence and armed conflict. Here in the District, I remain committed to ensuring African immigrants have the resources, language access, and opportunities necessary to thrive as Washingtonians. It is my hope that this diplomatic visit will benefit the connections between our continents, our countries, and the wellbeing of African immigrants here in DC.
See this op-ed from Sylvie Bello, founder of the Cameroon American Council, for more insight into the opportunities this visit presents.
