CLIMATEWIRE | The Trump administration is currently evaluating “all disaster relief initiatives that might indirectly or by chance support undocumented immigrants,” as stated in an internal document. This could lead to the potential cessation of government assistance to millions during severe weather occurrences.

A two-page memo, dated February 14 and addressed to top officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its 10 regional branches, mandates a review of non-governmental organizations that assist undocumented immigrants. This includes entities like the American Red Cross, which provides food, shelter, and medical aid to all disaster victims, irrespective of their immigration status.

This review, previously unreported, has sparked concern among advocacy groups aiding the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the U.S., who might be excluded from disaster shelters during catastrophic events such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods.

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“This review will involve the identification of relevant programs and possible policy adjustments,” stated the memo from FEMA acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton.

Potential restrictions on aid could discourage millions of legally residing individuals from seeking shelter during disasters, fearing they might be targeted by immigration officials, according to some advocates. This concern arises as President Donald Trump seeks to deport two legal immigrants.

“This is horrifying,” remarked Madison Sloan, director of disaster recovery at Texas Appleseed, a nonprofit promoting social, economic, and racial justice. “Historically, FEMA has delivered essential aid to disaster victims without regard to their immigration status, and it should remain so.”

FEMA did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment.

The memo, revealed in a court document, is so broad it might impact programs designed to assist individuals evacuated from their homes and communities bearing substantial cleanup and reconstruction costs post-disaster.

“What are we going to do? Deny FEMA shelter access because someone is not a U.S. citizen?” questioned Michael Coen, the FEMA chief of staff under the Biden administration.

“Saving lives should be our primary focus,” he emphasized.

Hamilton’s brief account of the review—in just two sentences of the memo—does not specify which programs are under scrutiny for assisting undocumented migrants.

The wording is so broad that it could extend to FEMA funds used for repairing infrastructure like roads, schools, and parks.

“If you’re repairing infrastructure in a community with many undocumented immigrants, that could be seen as indirect assistance,” noted Noah Patton, manager of disaster recovery for the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint directing the Trump administration, argues that FEMA grants should only support “lawful actors in compliance with federal law, supporting the broader homeland security mission.”

Immigrants, even those legally in the U.S., have historically hesitated to seek FEMA disaster aid, fearing immigration enforcement, according to Sloan and others.

Hamilton initiated the review shortly after the administration withdrew $80 million allocated to New York City for housing undocumented migrants released from federal custody.

Although the funds were from a special 2023 Congressional allocation—not from FEMA’s disaster resources—the Trump administration stirred controversy by questioning the legality of the expenditure and inaccurately claiming it was used for housing migrants in “luxury hotels.”

In reality, these migrants were temporarily housed in a repurposed hotel, which, according to Trump officials, was operated by a notorious Venezuelan street gang.

Potential Threats to Red Cross Operations

Ex-FEMA officials and disaster specialists suggest the review could affect billions in annual agency allocations to households for emergency costs like hotel stays, minor home repairs, and essential supplies, separate from the immediate emergency services provided by FEMA after disasters.

FEMA disaster support is available only to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or certain noncitizen residents. Families with a citizen child are eligible for aid under longstanding FEMA policy.

“These families could still receive aid, which would technically be considered indirect support to undocumented migrants,” explained Patton, expressing concerns about the potential impact on emergency response programs.

Since 2002, FEMA has distributed approximately $38 billion in disaster aid to nearly 12 million households, as per POLITICO’s E&E News agency records analysis.

Post the Welfare Reform Act signed by former President Bill Clinton, FEMA set citizenship and residency requirements, generally prohibiting “nonqualified aliens” from accessing a wide array of benefits.

FEMA’s review could jeopardize Red Cross operations, a federally chartered aid organization, which has an agreement with FEMA to provide emergency services without regard to citizenship or other personal characteristics.

Patton highlighted that nonprofits like the Red Cross have traditionally resisted any attempts to collect information on survivors’ immigration status.

“Any attempt to impose a citizenship requirement or access undocumented status information would significantly deter immigrant communities from seeking help,” Patton added.

Sloan from Texas Appleseed noted the Red Cross’s long-standing disaster response expertise and the trust it has built as a nonprofit. “Losing that would be a significant loss,” she stated.

The Red Cross has not responded to inquiries for comments.

Hamilton initiated the review following a directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which temporarily halted FEMA nonprofit grants related to immigration in late January.

Hamilton’s memo emphasized the necessity of the review to align with Noem’s directive and to continue supporting communities and disaster survivors dependent on FEMA assistance.

Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2025. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.