The United Nations estimates Somalis in the diaspora send home $1.6 billion annually. This money goes towards food, rent, education, living expenses and helps keep businesses afloat. Accounts in the United States with money flowing to Somalia were since closed because banks could not comply with the new regulations (tightened because of the threat of the money going to terrorists) from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Because of this, Somali-Americans are now unable to support their families back home and this may lead to a humanitarian crisis and might “strengthen the appeal of terrorism and piracy”, as stated in a letter from some members of Congress addressed to Secretary of State John Kerry. We urge you take immediate action in reopening remittances back to Somalia.
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