Storm Victims Urged To Come Forward For Emergency Aid Regardless Of Immigration Status
Release Date: August 18, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-126
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie
» Eligibility Requirements For Disaster Aid
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges storm victims regardless of their citizenship status not to hesitate to come forth for needed aid. All are eligible for emergency food, water, medical care, shelter, clothing and other urgent disaster-related needs.
The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other voluntary agencies have established comfort centers, mobile/fixed feeding sites, shelters and bulk distribution sites. Individuals, regardless of citizenship, are encouraged to visit these sites.
FEMA teams are surveying needs of people in all the storm-impacted areas. When FEMA identifies needs that cannot be filled by federal disaster aid, it will coordinate with other federal, state, local and voluntary agencies or organizations that may be able to provide help.
To be eligible for FEMA cash assistance programs (Individuals and Households Program Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance), you must be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national or a qualified alien. However, undocumented non-citizens can apply on behalf of their minor child who is a citizen. The minor child must live with the parent/guardian applying on their behalf.
You do not have to be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified alien for Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services or other short-term, non-cash emergency assistance.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Aug-2004 15:57:49