Demand State Department Give Tiffany Hartley a Presumptive Death Finding, No Matter What Mexico Finds or Doesn't Find

[Jeff Dunsavage]

This is urgent: When an American disappears in a foreign country, even if it is obvious that the person is very likely dead, the State Department will not provide a presumptive death finding unless the family of the missing person first goes through the "local jurisdiction" - in Tiffany's case, Mexico. In my family's case, Honduras. This is cruel, costly, and unnecessary. Without a presumptive death finding, the family cannot claim life insurance or other benefits associated with the death of their loved one.

While we have the publicity of the Hartley case, please write to Hilary Clinton to demand that this policy be changed (she has the authority - no act of Congress is needed). Demand that your Senators do the same - we need them all on record.

[Brian Dobbins]

This isn't right! National governments around the world need to confront a dysfunctional international system. It isn't just about trade & FDI. It is also about SECURITY OF INDIVIDUALS. Diplomats fail to protect their citizens while transnational crime is allowed to pursue profit.

[Cynthia Scheepstra]

This is the brick wall I have been running in to for the last year and a half.
I have a presumption of death in our local court. Allstate Insurance denied payment of Ronald's life insurance stating that it was not sufficient proof of death. I am a financially struggling widow. I stand a chance of losing my home. Allstate is a greedy, impersonal insurance company for sure...but if this policy could be changed, people like me would not have to hire attorneys, wait years wade through piles of red tape just to get what has been paid for. Allstate even tripled Ron's premiums and told me to keep paying them or the policy would not be in force. The insurance board said while this may not be moral they are not breaking any laws and can charge me what they want to. This is something that needs more accountability and regulation...the Insurance companies that take your money for years and when you need them....they "regret to have to take this position"...
Not nearly as much as I regret it...I am ranting again...I must get off the computer...