The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has initiated a comprehensive review of its disaster relief programs, potentially impacting aid to undocumented migrants. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem directed this change. Worst case scenario, it would severely limit important programs that help people and neighborhoods get back on their feet after disasters. Historically, in moments of need, FEMA has been a provider of life-saving support without regard to immigration status. The review threatens to do just that, fueling alarm over how accessible aid will be for millions of people.
Usually, FEMA only allocates funding to individuals who can demonstrate that they are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. It further broadens aid to include some noncitizen residents. This policy comes from another big welfare program reformation, signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton. FEMA’s Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton is currently spearheading such a review. This review is an incredible opportunity to re-assess the billions of taxpayer dollars spent annually on emergency expenses like hotel stays, temporary home repairs, and disaster-related necessities.
Potential Impact on Disaster Relief Programs
FEMA’s broad treatment of equity could similarly affect other programs supporting communities with significant cleanup and rebuilding costs after disasters. This has sent a shockwave through advocacy groups supporting the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants currently living in the U.S. These organizations are concerned that the review will intimidate undocumented and documented residents alike. In turn, they can be deterred from trying to escape extreme weather and disasters by worries over immigration enforcement.
Noah Patton, an advocate for immigrant communities, highlighted the potential implications of such a review:
“If you’re repairing infrastructure to a community that has a large population of undocumented immigrants, that would be indirectly assisting them.”
Patton warned about the broader consequences of instituting citizenship requirements within disaster aid programs:
“Any move around those programs to institute some sort of citizenship requirement or even an attempt to access information on who doesn’t have documented status would have a significant chilling effect for immigration communities.”
Historical Context and Current Concerns
FEMA in many ways has served as the bedrock of our disaster recovery. Since 2002, it’s paid out a mind-boggling $38 billion in tax credits to almost 12 million low-income households. The continuing review process has alarmed groups such as the American Red Cross and other nonprofits. This alarming scenario had not been covered before, which created alarm among these groups. These organizations have long opposed attempts to collect data on survivors’ immigration status.
Madison Sloan, a spokesperson for an advocacy group, emphasized the importance of maintaining FEMA's inclusive approach:
“Historically, FEMA has provided life-saving and life-sustaining assistance to disaster victims regardless of their immigration status, and that’s the way it should be.”
Cameron Hamilton assured that FEMA remains committed to its mission:
“can continue to support the communities and disaster survivors who rely on us for assistance.”
Implications for Nonprofits and Community Trust
Fiema’s review has sweeping ramifications. It threatens to freeze out of the lending any nonprofit organizations that are essential to disaster response. It’s possible these organizations would be subject to much greater scrutiny in their provision of services to undocumented people. These nonprofits often push back hard against unmasking immigration statuses. Any change to their policy would erode or eliminate their capacity to deliver that aid swiftly and efficiently.
Project 2025, an organization focused on federal compliance, outlined its expectations for aid recipients:
“recipients who are lawful actors, can demonstrate that they are in compliance with federal law, and can show that their mission and actions support the broader homeland security mission.”
Michael Coen, another advocate for inclusive disaster relief policies, underscored the importance of prioritizing humanitarian needs over immigration status.
“That should be the last thing you’re thinking about when you’re trying to save lives.”
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