“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

― Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail, 16 April 1963

The time has come to stand up and testify against the institutionalized racism embedded in the power institutions of the United States. The Democrats Abroad Global Black Caucus invites you to join us on a call.    

During the vigil, our members and allies will be able to step up and raise their voices against the atrocities happening in the United States right now. If you are interested in speaking please fill in this form: 

You are not alone.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. The CDC advises travelers to avoid all nonessential international travel.

On April 26, the Italian government released a new health decree. It clarifies that as of May 4, travel within the same region for work, health reasons, emergencies, or visits to immediate family members or relatives is allowed as long as social distancing protocols are respected (use of face coverings/protective masks and maintaining distance between persons of at least one meter). Movement between regions is prohibited except for justifiable work purposes, health reasons, emergencies or if returning to one’s residence. Self-declaration forms are still required. As of May 4, individual outdoor exercise and access to public parks are permitted as long as social distancing measures are respected. For more details please see the Italian Civil Protection’s website; please also note that some regional decrees may be more or less restrictive than the national decree.

Actions to Take:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
  
• Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy. English speaking operators are available.
  
• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on the disease.
• For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information regarding foreign countries’ quarantine requirements and other global impacts.
• Have a plan to depart from Italy that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Italy.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the U.S.
• Review the Italian National Institute of Health’s website (available only in Italian).
• Visit the Department of State’s webpage for U.S. travelers in Europe: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/schengen.html

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy
  by phone: +39 06 46741
  USCitizensRome@state.gov
  https://it.usembassy.gov
• U.S. Consulate General Milan
  +39 02-290-351
  USCitizensMilan@state.gov
• U.S. Consulate General Florence
  +39 055-266-951
  USCitizensFlorence@state.gov
• U.S. Consulate General Naples
  +39 081-583-8111
  USCitizensNaples@state.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs
  888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
• Italy Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security update

Democrats Abroad has received many emails from members asking about the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act,  their eligibility for support and how and when they might receive payments.  The DA Taxation Tax Force compiled a  CARES Act aid FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) document aimed at addressing key questions asked by our members.  

PLEASE CHECK BACK REGULARLY AS THIS FAQ WILL BE UPDATED WHEN NEW INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.

You can find more information on the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know

DEMOCRATS ABROAD TAXATION TASK FORCE

IMPORTANT: Democrats Abroad does not provide personal tax advice or recommendations. We recommend that you engage a qualified, professional tax adviser to address questions related to your personal financial situation. If you do not have a tax adviser we recommend the U.S. Tax Return Preparer Directory published by American Citizens Abroad. Many will offer payment plans. There are also FreeFile tax return systems for low income taxpayers that accommodate taxpayers with foreign addresses. 

Did you know:
- Democrats Abroad is run by volunteers?
- Our communications are funded  by donations?
- We need your DONATIONS to get out the vote in the General elections in November
- Small recurring monthly donations will  support DA Italy in its vital work. (* In many banks recurring bonifico fees do not exist.)

Donations of 5 euro -10 euro or other amounts requested.

We want to reiterate again how vital your donation to Democrats Abroad Italy is. The bulk of the work of our Organization must be done NOW, ahead of the general election so we can ensure that all Americans abroad request their absentee ballot and vote. An investment in Democrats Abroad Italy today will boost voter turnout in November and protect our democracy.
Help us win back the White House and the Senate! 

The Italian government has confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the country. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and qualifying family members who normally reside in the United States should arrange for immediate return home or be prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

Travelers should also be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Individuals connecting to international flights should be prepared for flight schedules that may require an overnight at the transit airport. Travelers should contact their airline directly to ask any questions in advance of their flight.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. Any travelers to Italy must self-quarantine in their home/hotel for 14 days even if they have no symptoms of COVID-19. As of March 28, before boarding, travelers will be required to complete and provide to their carrier a form specifying the purpose of their travel, the exact address where they will self-quarantine, their phone number and the vehicle they will use to reach their home/hotel. Travelers are not allowed to use public transportation to get to their place of quarantine. Individuals who are traveling to Italy for justifiable work purposes may postpone the period of quarantine by 72 hours, which can be extended an additional 48 hours if necessary. All travelers are required to inform the competent Local Health Authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale – ASL) of their entry immediately. For a list of Local Health Authorities, please see http://www.paginesanitarie.com/Indirizzi_ASL_1_Gennaio_2005.pdf. For further details in English, please visit https://www.esteri.it/mae/en/ministero/normativaonline/decreto-iorestoacasa-domande-frequenti/focus-cittadini-italiani-in-rientro-dall-estero-e-cittadini-stranieri-in-italia.html.

Actions to Take:

• Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy. English speaking operators are available.
• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on the disease.
• For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information regarding foreign countries’ quarantine requirements and other global impacts.
• Have a plan to depart from Italy that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Italy.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the U.S.
• Review the Italian National Institute of Health’s website (available only in Italian).
• Visit the Department of State’s webpage for U.S. travelers in Europe: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/schengen.html

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy
  by phone: +39 06 46741
  USCitizensRome@state.gov
  https://it.usembassy.gov
• U.S. Consulate General Milan
  +39 02-290-351
  USCitizensMilan@state.gov
• U.S. Consulate General Florence
  +39 055-266-951
  USCitizensFlorence@state.gov
• U.S. Consulate General Naples
  +39 081-583-8111
  USCitizensNaples@state.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs
  888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
• Italy Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security update

Location: Italy

Event: U.S. Mission Italy has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.

The CDC has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Europe advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Europe. See CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.

U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. Transportation including airlines, trains, and buses continue to operate, but transport links within Italy and to international destinations are increasingly limited. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel restrictions to be implemented with little or no advance notice.

Hospitals in Italy are under severe strain. In the city of Milan and Lombardy region, health care authorities are unable to guarantee adequate care for COVID-19 or other emergency cases.

Actions to Take:

• Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy. English speaking operators are available.
• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on the disease.
• For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
  
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information regarding foreign countries’ quarantine requirements and other global impacts.
• Have a plan to depart from Italy that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Italy.
  
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the U.S.
• Review the Italian National Institute of Health’s website (available only in Italian).
  
• Visit the Department of State’s webpage for U.S. travelers in Europe: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/schengen.html

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy
  by phone: +39 06 46741
  USCitizensRome@state.gov
  https://it.usembassy.gov
  
• U.S. Consulate General Milan
  +39 02-290-351
  USCitizensMilan@state.gov
• U.S. Consulate General Florence
  +39 055-266-951
  USCitizensFlorence@state.gov
• U.S. Consulate General Naples
  +39 081-583-8111
  USCitizensNaples@state.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs
  888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
• Italy Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates

Here is the present situation about changes to the Voting Center and Ballot Assistance Events planned for March 3-10:

THE FLORENCE VOTING CENTER (COLLECTIVE GALLERY) ON MARCH 7 WILL BE OPEN
THE ROME VOTING CENTER (ALMOST CORNER BOOKSHOP) ON MARCH 7 WILL BE OPEN

THE FOLLOWING VOTING CENTER AND BALLOT ASSISTANCE EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED due to restrictions and local circumstances arising from CVID-19 measures:

• Lombardia (Milan)
• Veneto (Padova, Verona, Venice Lido)
• Emilia Romana (Bologna)
• Piemonte (Torino)
• Rome - events on March 5, 6 and 9 at the UCEAP

To keep you warm during the colder months with Democratic flare, we are reissuing a NEW collection of hooded sweatshirts to wear and gift ahead of the holiday season! Hip, hip... hooray! 

These are unisex hooded sweatshirts made in Europe. 

For the CLASSIC Democrats Abroad front-pocket hoodie, there are FIVE (yes, five!) colors to choose from : Black, Navy, Heather Grey, Turquoise & Fire Red. 

For the ZIP-UP Democrats Abroad hoodie, there are THREE colors to choose from: Black, Navy & Heather Grey. 

Last but not least, there is our Vote From Abroad Collection! Available as a CLASSIC hoodie or a ZIP-UP hoodie, both available in Navy. 

Feeling hot? We're also reissuing a successful series of Democrats Abroad T-Shirts in a rainbow of SIX (yes, six!) brilliant colors. If you're not hot already, these colors could make someone blush. Available in Red, Green, Fuschia, Purple, Orange & Indigo. 

T-shirts come in the following sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large & XXLarge. 

Get them while they're hot! Pre-orders are being taken until November 17th. After November 17th, the merchandise will no longer be available at these pre-order prices! Your purchase will be a donation to one of the most important issues of our time, preserving our democracy. Please consider wearing your support! 

T-shirts: €18 

CLASSIC hoodies: €45 

ZIP-UP hoodies: €50  

Most importantly, thank you all for your continued support! Funds earned from the sales of our merchandise will help us set up more services for you such as primary polling stations and voter registration events. 

The DA Tax Team is back in Washington DC next week for meetings on Capitol Hill - our fifth and probably final Congressional Door Knock of 2019. We appreciate the members of the Taxation Task Force and thank them for the hard work to support tax reform for Americans abroad. A Special thanks to the chair of the Taskforce, Carmelan Polce, for her remarkable support in driving this important issue forward!

We also want to thank all Democrats Abroad leaders who have supported the work of the Tax Task Force this year. Their help in pushing out Tax Team reports, updates and campaign guides is greatly valued and essential to our success in engaging Congress to enact the reforms so urgently needed by Americans abroad.