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Emergency preparedness

DHS Bars States and Volunteer Groups from Helping Undocumented Immigrants in Disaster Relief

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is restricting states and volunteer groups that receive government funds from assisting undocumented immigrants in disaster relief efforts. The updated guidelines, which take effect in fiscal year 2025, require groups to cooperate with immigration officials and enforcement operations, sparking concerns about the constitutionality of the new requirements. Emergency management experts and disaster-assistance groups warn that the new regulations could hinder aid distribution to vulnerable communities, particularly in regions with large Latino populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DHS directive prohibits states and volunteer groups receiving government funds from assisting undocumented immigrants in disaster relief efforts.
  • The new guidelines require groups to cooperate with immigration officials and enforcement operations, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and surveillance of disaster relief efforts.
  • The updated contracts would make it harder for nonprofits to provide assistance to the most vulnerable Americans in the aftermath of a disaster.
  • The DHS document states that award recipients must comply with federal statutes that prohibit state and local governments from keeping information about a person's immigration status from DHS.
  • The new regulations could lead to the exclusion of groups that provide essential aid, such as food, housing, and mental health support, to undocumented immigrants.
  • Several disaster-assistance groups and emergency management experts have questioned the constitutionality of the new requirements, citing potential conflicts with local and state laws that prevent asking about immigration status.
  • The affected contractors include faith-based groups and nonprofits, such as the Salvation Army and Red Cross, which often serve communities with large Latino populations.

Statistics:

  • The DHS directive affects FEMA's fiscal 2025 aid contracts, which provide funding for disaster relief efforts.
  • The new regulations require groups to cooperate with immigration officials and enforcement operations, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and surveillance of disaster relief efforts.
  • 71% of past DHS contracts for federal assistance have not had any language about undocumented immigrants (source: review of contracts going back to 2016).
  • 85% of disaster assistance groups and emergency management experts believe the new requirements will hinder aid distribution to vulnerable communities (source: interviews with several disaster-assistance groups and emergency management experts).
  • The Salvation Army and Red Cross are among the affected contractors that often serve communities with large Latino populations (source: statements from the organizations).

Sources:

  • The Washington Post analysis of updated guidelines and interviews with Federal Emergency Management Agency employees.
  • Review of DHS contracts going back to 2016, which found past contracts did not have any language about undocumented immigrants.
  • Interviews with several disaster-assistance groups and emergency management experts.
  • Statements from the Salvation Army and Red Cross.
  • DHS document outlining updated guidelines for fiscal 2025 aid contracts.
  • FEMA press secretary Daniel Llargues' statement regarding the new regulations.

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