San Diego Fire Impacts on Immigrants
The big story in the West this week has been the rash of wildfires in Southern California, which it appears are now under control.
Many immigrants live and work in the San Diego area and seek entry into the United States through that region. Like other residents of the area, immigrants have been affected by the firestorm. We previously have reported how immigrant communities have been affected by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina. For stories of the impacts of the fires on immigrants and immigration, click here and here. Expect to hear more about the fires impacts on immigrants as the stories unfold.
CNN reports that, yesterday, the number of deaths attributed directly to the fires grew to seven, after the charred bodies of four people believed to be undocumented immigrants were found in a canyon east of San Diego. The first body was found by firefighters from Mexico, who had come to assist in the efforts to put out the San Diego fire. For a story about the Mexican firefighters, click here.
There has been reported that ICE has questioned some evacuees about there immigration status at Qualcom Stadium in San Diego. There also are reports that some undocumented immigrants have been arrested for taking supplies meant for evacuees.
UPDATE: Press Release: MALDEF ENCOURAGES ALL VICTIMS OF SAN DIEGO FIRES TO SEEK ASSISTANCE Los Angeles, CA – “The tragic fires that swept Southern California hit citizen and non-citizen alike. As the nation and community come together, there are vital relief services available to all victims, irrespective of their immigration status. We encourage anyone in need of assistance to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) if they have suffered injury or property loss,” said John Trasviña, President and General Counsel of MALDEF. “According to FEMA guidelines, any victim of a federal emergency may be eligible for Crisis Counseling or Disaster Legal Services and other short-term non-cash emergency aid regardless of immigration status. Receipt of these services does not affect Legal Permanent Residents’ later eligibility for citizenship.” While FEMA will not provide any cash assistance directly to undocumented immigrants, they will provide assistance to any family member who is eligible. Citizens and legal permanent residents qualify for assistance. Restrictions may apply to those with temporary status. If you do not have legal status, you can apply on behalf of your minor child (under 18 years of age) for FEMA cash assistance (Individuals and Households Program Assistance) if you live together. Your child must be a citizen or a legal permanent resident. You will not have to provide any information on your immigration status or sign any documents regarding your status. In those cases where no one in the family is eligible for federal funds, those families will be referred to state, local and private agencies that may be able to help. Even if you do not qualify for FEMA cash assistance (Individuals and Households Program Assistance), please call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY for hearing/speech-impaired) for information and to be referred to other programs that can assist you regardless of your immigration status. The FEMA assistance line provides Spanish language assistance. To report victim abuse and scams or to receive further information on numerous contractors, loan officers and other licensed professionals who can assist victims in rebuilding their property and lives, please call the California State and Consumer Service Agency at 1-800-952-5210. In response to both rumors and facts about U.S. Border Patrol enforcement activity at a relief site, MALDEF has been assured by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the agency’s role is to provide assistance to firefighting and humanitarian relief, not to conduct enforcement operations. While one well publicized incident occurred, it appears to be isolated to particular circumstances. Community members may contact MALDEF should Border Patrol or ICE enforcement efforts interfere with humanitarian assistance or relief and should not let the incident keep individuals from seeking necessary assistance.”
KJ