Whistleblowers Come Forward with Allegations FEMA withheld Pre-Disaster Aid for Hurricane Victims
FEMA whistleblowers have come forward alleging that the agency misappropriated funds in the wake of Helene, withheld pre-disaster aid, and that first responders and service members have been waiting in hotels without deployment orders.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has allocated funds for various programs, including those that could indirectly or directly benefit undocumented migrants or refugees. Here's a breakdown based on the information obtained.
DHS allocated $780 million for the migrant crisis through the FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was primarily intended for American citizens in times of crisis, there have been instances where funds from this program were redistributed or used in ways that could benefit broader community services, potentially including migrants.
FEMA's eligibility for cash assistance like the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) is limited to U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or qualified non-citizens. This legal framework ensures that direct financial aid goes to legally residing individuals or their qualified family members. However, other forms of aid, as mentioned, are available to all, regardless of immigration status, aligning with humanitarian principles.
The Bipartisan Year-End Omnibus signed by President Biden on December 29, 2022, authorized the creation of a new DHS grant program, the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), to support these communities. The Omnibus directed CBP to transfer $800 million in funding to FEMA to establish the SSP. Through today’s Notice, the Department of Homeland Security is directing $350 million to EFSP-H to fund costs incurred by localities and non-governmental organizations that assist screened and vetted noncitizens provisionally released from DHS custody. Shelter and Services Program (SSP) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through FEMA and other agencies, has allocated significant funds for the SSP. For instance, in 2024, $300 million in grants was announced through this program, aimed at supporting communities providing services to migrants. Additionally, there's mention of a competitive awards process where $340 million was allocated for this fiscal year, indicating a substantial investment in managing migrant influxes.