Undocumented family who lost everything in the Texas floods afraid to ask for help due to deportation concerns
The undocumented family of 12 fears that seeking assistance would expose their immigration status.
The floods that occurred in July in the state of Texas left catastrophic consequences, adding to the fear and uncertainty felt by undocumented families.
Flooding across several counties in the state left at least 135 people dead, including more than 20 children. Homes were destroyed, and many families lost all their belongings—including Rosalinda’s family.
On July 4, Rosalinda had to wake her children, grandchildren, and mother due to the rising floodwaters. In the current immigration climate, they initially thought it was U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Moments later, they realized the water was rising.
“There wasn’t even time to put on shoes. We were all barefoot. You never think it’ll happen to you. It was a horrible experience. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” Rosalinda told CNN, explaining that the water swept away the homes her relatives lived in, and they lost all their belongings.
Migrants’ fear of seeking help
After the devastating floods, both the Texas state government and the federal government began offering relief and assistance. However, for undocumented immigrants, turning to Governor Greg Abbott’s administration or President Donald Trump’s federal government brings uncertainty.
Finding financial aid is more difficult for undocumented individuals due to the complexity of insurance claims, bureaucratic procedures, lack of proper identification, and fear of requesting assistance, which could expose their immigration status and lead to possible detention or deportation.
In the case of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the agency’s official website states that to be eligible for disaster assistance, survivors must be U.S. citizens, qualified aliens, or eligible non-citizens.
Eligible non-citizens include lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), individuals granted asylum, refugees, those whose deportation status is on hold, recipients of humanitarian awards, and certain victims of serious crimes. Another section notes that all individuals, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, affected by a major disaster may be eligible for psychological assistance, legal services, disaster case management, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, and other non-cash emergency aid programs, such as medical care, shelter, food, and water.
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