Assistance Available For Non-Citizens
Release Date: May 4, 2009
Release Number: 1834-008
» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms and Tornadoes
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- People who are not U.S. citizens-but who are in the United States legally-may be eligible for disaster aid according to officials from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"We don't want any residents who might be eligible to miss out on valuable disaster assistance that could help them get back on their feet," said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Moore. "If disaster-affected Arkansans are in doubt, they should apply for assistance and FEMA will determine their eligibility for federal disaster assistance."
Under the presidential declaration, disaster assistance is available to residents and business owners in the counties of Miller, Polk and Sevier
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals or qualified aliens to receive FEMA monetary assistance. Their legal status will not be jeopardized by applying for assistance.
Qualified aliens include:
- Individuals with Lawful Permanent Residency (holders of "green cards");
- Those with refugee or asylum status;
- Those whose deportation has been withheld;
- Those on parole in the U.S. for at least one year for humanitarian purposes;
- Those with conditional entry; and
- Those with petitions for relief based on battery or extreme cruelty by a family member.
Applicants should consult an immigration expert concerning whether or not their immigration status falls within the Qualified Alien category.
Assistance can be given as long as someone in the pre-disaster household is eligible for it. No information will be required regarding the status of other household members. For example, a parent or legal guardian who is not eligible for assistance can still apply on behalf of a minor child who is a U.S. citizen. The adult only certifies for the child; no information will be gathered on the adult's status.
Households with no one eligible for FEMA financial assistance may still be eligible for programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies. They may also be eligible for short-term, non-cash aid from FEMA, such as disaster legal services and crisis counseling.
Applicants with losses and damages as a result of the severe storms and tornadoes of April 9 can register with FEMA by calling 1- 800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. They can also register online at www.fema.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 04-May-2009 14:22:16