The massive earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan has caused massive loss of life and catastrophic damage. In addition to Fulbright's support of relief efforts and contributions with certain organizations, Fulbright provides the following information:

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo indicates that it is limiting its current services and that its first priority at this time is to assist U.S. citizens who may be injured or missing. Read the most recent warden message issued by the embassy.

The embassy indicates that all other visa needs and appointments will be limited and available under very limited circumstances. The embassy provides specific information related to tsunami warnings, travel restrictions, rolling blackouts affecting transportation services in various prefectures, airline service and travel alerts.

The embassy also details information and website links for information about missing persons in Japan, other possible ways to inform family and friends of one's situation and family links to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Informal reports indicate that many individuals are able to reach one another through social networking technology, such as Facebook and Twitter, in the absence of land line and cell phone service.

To those U.S. citizens in need of emergency consular assistance, the embassy recommends sending an e-mail to JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov with detailed information about their location and contact information.

This article was prepared by Fulbright's Immigration Practice Group. If you require additional information or if our Firm may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact any of our Labor Department's immigration practice group members: Cindy Kang Ansbach (ckang@fulbright.com or 214 855 7499 or 713 651 5576), Partner and Head of the Immigration and Nationality Practice Group; Jacquelyn P. Maroney; Brenda J. Oliver (boliver@fulbright.com or 202 662 4717) or Benjamin J. Schatz.