Statement: ADC Demands Safe Evacuation of U.S. Citizens and Residents Overseas; Guidance Available Through ADC

Washington, D.C. | March 5, 2026 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) calls on the U.S. State Department to use all available resources to ensure the evacuation of U.S. citizens overseas who are currently in harm’s way as the war on Iran escalates. 

U.S. citizens who are currently stuck overseas and wish to evacuate are encouraged to register with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which can help U.S. embassies and consulates contact you and share important information.

In the past, ADC has facilitated efforts between the U.S. government and our community to ensure the dissemination of accurate information to both community members and the U.S. State Department. ADC is continuing these efforts under the current administration. As part of our efforts, U.S. citizens currently overseas and seeking evacuation, in addition to registering with STEP, are also encouraged to register with ADC.

Completion of the form provides an added layer of assurance that our community members are fully accounted for and that their information is in the hands of the State Department. Please note that this form does not guarantee facilitation of evacuation efforts.

ADC has communicated to the Trump administration the urgency of allocating equal resources to all American citizens and permanent residents in the region. “We are urging the Trump administration not to make the same mistakes made by the Biden Administration, who failed miserably at fulfilling their obligation and duty of protecting all U.S. citizens,” emphasized ADC National Executive Director Abed Ayoub. “The Biden Administration was not prepared for any evacuation and sadly put Israel and Israelis first, before the needs and requests of U.S. citizens across the region. We cannot afford to see the same mistakes made again. We are encouraging this administration to do all they can to protect all Americans.” 

The State Department can take immediate action, including by updating its Assistance Request form to include Lebanon and Iraq, which are currently absent from the list that includes Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. The omission of Lebanon and Iraq is inexplicable, given that the official travel advisory for both nations was recently updated to Level 4: Do not travel. 

Americans overseas now find themselves in a difficult situation. Our government has a duty and obligation to ensure they return home safely.