In a letter to President Donald Trump, Sens. Marco Rubio (left) and Rick Scott noted Florida’s longstanding ties to the Bahamas. | Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo florida Rubio, Scott ask Trump to waive visa requirements for Bahamians

Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to waive some visa requirements for citizens of the Bahamas, which was devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

In a letter to Trump, Rubio and Scott requested that the administration make it easier for citizens of the Bahamas to seek shelter with their families in the United States, in the aftermath of the Category 5 hurricane that left at least seven dead and devastated much of the island nation.


“Perhaps one of the most basic yet meaningful steps our government can take immediately is to ensure that those who have lost everything, including family members in some instances, are provided the opportunity for shelter and reunification with family in the United States,” Rubio and Scott wrote.

Both senators also noted Florida’s strong ties to the Bahamas and said Floridians “are eager to help their family and friends in the Bahamas.” About 20,000 Bahamians reportedly live in South Florida.

Hubert Minnis, prime minister of the Bahamas, said Tuesday that the country was “in the midst of one of the great national crises in our country’s history.”