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Limits FEMA disaster help for noncitizens to those who meet the “qualified alien” standard. Undocumented immigrants and many people on temporary visas would not be eligible for assistance under the disaster law. It ties eligibility for noncitizens to federal immigration categories (such as lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees). FEMA and partners would need to check immigration status before providing individual disaster assistance, which could affect mixed‑status households in disaster areas.
Adds a new section 431 titled "Eligibility of aliens for assistance" to Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
If an alien would otherwise be eligible for assistance provided to individuals under this Act, only a "qualified alien" is eligible to receive that assistance.
Unless otherwise provided in this section, terms used in this section have the same meanings given in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The term "qualified alien" is given the meaning in section 431 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1641), except that the section lists specific categories of aliens that are not included in that term.
An alien who is granted asylum under INA section 208 (8 U.S.C. 1158) but has not sought adjustment to lawful permanent resident status under INA section 209(b) is excluded from the term "qualified alien."
Noncitizens in disaster areas face a stricter eligibility test: only those fitting “qualified alien” categories (commonly lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees) can receive FEMA disaster aid. Undocumented individuals and many temporary visa holders would be excluded from cash and housing assistance, which may increase reliance on charitable or state/local resources. Mixed‑status families could experience delays or denials if the applicant is not a qualified alien. FEMA and state partners administering individual assistance would need to verify immigration status, adding administrative steps and potentially slowing aid decisions. Governments and public entities receiving disaster funds are largely unaffected because the restriction targets individual noncitizen recipients, not governmental applicants.
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Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced February 27, 2025 by W. Greg Steube · Last progress February 27, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House