July 2, 2015 The Honorable Jack Reed 728 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Reed: With Greece in the midst of a crisis and economic chaos unlike anything seen for more than sixty-five years, I am writing to ask for your support in raising the quota limit for Greeks seeking to enter the United States. The ongoing financial debacle engulfing Greece may be keeping it in the news as of late, but poor economic conditions there have become a way of life for a generation of young people. The unemployment rate is a staggering 49% for Greek youths, many of whom are well educated and have strong job skills that would be valued in a healthier economic climate. Greece is a major American ally, a nation which benefitted from American support in the years following World War II and while the United States cannot fix the Greek economy, it can once again provide assistance in this time of extreme crisis. The United States can allow Greek nationals with desired, marketable job skills to come to this country and put their talents to work. This is a simple, sensible step that will send a strong message and give hope to young people who have received a college education but have found no opportunity in their home country. It offers us a chance to show what we can do, to demonstrate to a new generation of Greek citizens that the United States is a strong friend and ally in a time of need. As always, I thank you for your assistance and look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, Leonidas Raptakis State Senator July 2, 2015 The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse 717 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Whitehouse: With Greece in the midst of a crisis and economic chaos unlike anything seen for more than sixty-five years, I am writing to ask for your support in raising the quota limit for Greeks seeking to enter the United States. The ongoing financial debacle engulfing Greece may be keeping it in the news as of late, but poor economic conditions there have become a way of life for a generation of young people. The unemployment rate is a staggering 49% for Greek youths, many of whom are well educated and have strong job skills that would be valued in a healthier economic climate. Greece is a major American ally, a nation which benefitted from American support in the years following World War II and while the United States cannot fix the Greek economy, it can once again provide assistance in this time of extreme crisis. The United States can allow Greek nationals with desired, marketable job skills to come to this country and put their talents to work. This is a simple, sensible step that will send a strong message and give hope to young people who have received a college education but have found no opportunity in their home country. It offers us a chance to show what we can do, to demonstrate to a new generation of Greek citizens that the United States is a strong friend and ally in a time of need. As always, I thank you for your assistance and look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, Leonidas Raptakis State Senator July 2, 2015 The Honorable David N. Cicilline 128 Canon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Cicilline: With Greece in the midst of a crisis and economic chaos unlike anything seen for more than sixty-five years, I am writing to ask for your support in raising the quota limit for Greeks seeking to enter the United States. The ongoing financial debacle engulfing Greece may be keeping it in the news as of late, but poor economic conditions there have become a way of life for a generation of young people. The unemployment rate is a staggering 49% for Greek youths, many of whom are well educated and have strong job skills that would be valued in a healthier economic climate. Greece is a major American ally, a nation which benefitted from American support in the years following World War II and while the United States cannot fix the Greek economy, it can once again provide assistance in this time of extreme crisis. The United States can allow Greek nationals with desired, marketable job skills to come to this country and put their talents to work. This is a simple, sensible step that will send a strong message and give hope to young people who have received a college education but have found no opportunity in their home country. It offers us a chance to show what we can do, to demonstrate to a new generation of Greek citizens that the United States is a strong friend and ally in a time of need. As always, I thank you for your assistance and look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, Leonidas Raptakis State Senator State Senator July 2, 2015 The Honorable James R. Langevin 109 Canon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Langevin: With Greece in the midst of a crisis and economic chaos unlike anything seen for more than sixty-five years, I am writing to ask for your support in raising the quota limit for Greeks seeking to enter the United States. The ongoing financial debacle engulfing Greece may be keeping it in the news as of late, but poor economic conditions there have become a way of life for a generation of young people. The unemployment rate is a staggering 49% for Greek youths, many of whom are well educated and have strong job skills that would be valued in a healthier economic climate. Greece is a major American ally, a nation which benefitted from American support in the years following World War II and while the United States cannot fix the Greek economy, it can once again provide assistance in this time of extreme crisis. The United States can allow Greek nationals with desired, marketable job skills to come to this country and put their talents to work. This is a simple, sensible step that will send a strong message and give hope to young people who have received a college education but have found no opportunity in their home country. It offers us a chance to show what we can do, to demonstrate to a new generation of Greek citizens that the United States is a strong friend and ally in a time of need. As always, I thank you for your assistance and look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, Leonidas Raptakis State Senator