Disaster Assistance Available For Non-Citizens
Release Date: November 12, 2005
Release Number: 1603-153
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will offer hurricane disaster victims who are not U.S. citizens certain types of disaster assistance.
Regardless of immigration status, all individuals impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are eligible for non-cash emergency food, water, medical care, shelter, clothing and other urgent disaster-related needs from FEMA. Eligibility for additional aid will vary depending on the individual's immigration status in the United States and other factors. In addition to FEMA non-cash assistance, there are a number of voluntary agencies including the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army assisting hurricane victims.
All U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and qualified aliens may be eligible for FEMA's cash assistance programs, including the Individuals and Households Program Assistance (IHP) and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. To receive assistance, individuals must first register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) . Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals can call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
During the registration process, individuals are required to sign a declaration and release form affirming they are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. Individuals who cannot sign the form, but have a minor child who is a citizen or qualified alien can apply for assistance on behalf of the child. No information about the parent's immigration status will be gathered.
Assistance available within IHP includes housing assistance and rental payments. Individuals may be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA loans are available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes to repair disaster-related damage. If SBA can't help, they may refer the individual to FEMA's grant program. This FEMA grant program may provide grants for home repairs, replacement of some household items, medical, dental and funeral costs.
In addition to emergency aid, all individuals affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, regardless of immigration status may receive Crisis Counseling and Disaster Legal Services, and other short-term, non-cash emergency assistance. Accepting emergency assistance will not have negative consequences on an individual's immigration status or a pending immigration application.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
SBA is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster- damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
Last Modified: Monday, 14-Nov-2005 09:26:33