DHS says no funds for disaster groups that help unauthorized migrants

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00:00The Department of Homeland Security is banning states and volunteer organizations that receive

00:05federal disaster relief funds from assisting undocumented immigrants.

00:12The new rules were first reported in a Washington Post analysis,

00:17citing interviews with federal emergency management officials. DHS will mandate that

00:23disaster relief groups receiving federal dollars cooperate with immigration authorities and

00:28enforcement. A FEMA historian tells the Post the move is unprecedented and some volunteer groups

00:35question whether it's legal, citing concerns with asking people legal status and some states that

00:42prohibit the practice. New York, for instance, offers disaster assistance to anyone regardless

00:48of legal status. Faith-based groups like the Salvation Army do not traditionally ask individuals

00:55about their religious beliefs, political affiliation, or legal status, and some say it impedes their

01:01freedom to help whomever they please. Now, in order to reportedly receive federal grants and awards,

01:08volunteer groups must agree to not operate any program that benefits undocumented immigrants

01:14or incentivizes illegal immigration. States and organizations are also prohibited from concealing

01:22a person's legal status under the new guidelines. If states reject these conditions, they are

01:28ineligible for disaster relief money. Nonprofits worry the new rules make even legal immigrants fearful

01:35to seek help, saying many mixed households have parents who may be undocumented but children who are

01:42legal citizens. The new policy also targets DEI and some have raised concerns it may impact Spanish-speaking

01:49volunteers who help with rescues and other programs. So far, it's unclear how this may be impacted.

01:56The latest rule change is in line with the Trump administration's recent efforts to enhance

02:02screening for green card, visa, and citizenship applicants. For more on this story, you can download

02:09the Straight Arrow News mobile app or visit us online at san.com.