U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has introduced the FEMA for America First Act, legislation aimed at limiting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster benefits to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
The bill specifically seeks to exclude noncitizens on parole, asylees, and refugees not actively pursuing green card status from accessing FEMA assistance after natural disasters.
READ: Florida Rep. Steube Demands Answers From FEMA Over Alleged Discrimination Against Trump Supporters
Under current law, noncitizens paroled into the U.S. for at least one year on humanitarian grounds are eligible for FEMA benefits. Steube’s legislation proposes a change, requiring all noncitizen applicants to be lawful permanent residents, such as green card holders, or asylees and refugees actively pursuing green card status to qualify for disaster aid.
“I do not support giving FEMA benefits to paroled noncitizens and the millions of asylees and refugees who have wrongfully invaded our country over the past four years. The Biden-Harris administration has been denying the FEMA applications of American citizens and simultaneously discriminating against Trump supporters while canvassing with disaster recovery resources,” said Steube. “Meanwhile, noncitizens, including those who have been paroled into this country under the abused and unlawful Biden-Harris parole programs can receive FEMA benefits. This cannot stand.”
If passed, the FEMA for America First Act would redefine eligibility for disaster relief, ensuring that noncitizens must meet strict requirements, such as green card status or active progress toward lawful permanent residency, to receive federal assistance. The bill aims to prioritize aid for U.S. citizens and taxpayers, addressing concerns over resource allocation during natural disasters.
Steube’s legislation adds to ongoing debates about immigration policies and federal resource distribution, intensifying scrutiny of how the Biden administration handles border security and disaster aid programs.
“My legislation ensures American citizens are rightfully served by our country’s federal disaster agency – not inadmissible aliens, whom Biden-Harris have illegally deemed parolees en masse or those Biden-Harris permitted to stay in the country with no intention of ever becoming lawful permanent residents,” said Steube.
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