Malliotakis Helps Staten Island Resident Reunite with Lost Loved One

A Staten Island resident recently contacted my office for assistance with finding his aunt, an elderly American citizen living in Zacatecas, Zacatecas Mexico for several years, who had recently become unreachable.  

During a conversation the resident had with his aunt several months ago, it appeared she was experiencing signs of memory loss or mental distress. He tried contacting her following their conversation and was not able to get in touch. Having not heard from his aunt for quite some time, and having no contact information for her friends or neighbors, the resident grew increasingly concerned for his aunt's wellbeing and reached out to our office for help. 

My office called the U.S. Department of State, Office of American Citizens Services to request they do a wellness check at her last known address. Within three days, the State Department confirmed the residents' aunt was safe, however, it was clear she was in a declining mental state and in need of assistance.  

A friend of the family immediately flew to Mexico to bring her back to the U.S. to be cared for by her family. It was then, however, the family realized her U.S. passport had expired making her unable to return to the states. 

To expedite her safe return, my office contacted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and was able to secure a passport appointment for her. Within 24 hours of her appointment, the residents' aunt was issued a new passport and was on a plane back to the United States. 

The resident has since been reunited with his aunt and is continuing to work with our office to help her apply for Social Security benefits.