CLIMATEWIRE | The Trump administration is reviewing “all disaster relief programs that may indirectly or incidentally aid illegal aliens,” according to an internal memo that raises the prospect of shutting off government aid to millions of people during extreme weather events. The two-page memo sent to senior officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and its 10 regional offices on Feb. 14 also orders the agency to review nongovernmental organizations that "provide assistance" to undocumented immigrants.
That could include groups like the American Red Cross that offer food, shelter and medical care to disaster survivors regardless of their immigration status. The review, which has not been previously reported, has alarmed advocacy groups that work with the roughly 11 million undocumented migrants within the U.S.
who could be barred from disaster shelters during deadly hurricanes, wildfires or floods. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing . By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
“This review shall include identification of those programs and potential policy changes,” said the memo by FEMA acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton. Potential aid restrictions could deter millions of people who are in the country legally from going to disaster shelters because they fear b.
