FEMA aid for undocumented immigrants with U.S. born children
By
Melissa Cabral, WINK News
Story Created:
Sep 7, 2008 at 5:33 PM EST
Story Updated:
Sep 8, 2008 at 4:36 PM EST
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - A Call for Action from our viewers: Tropical Storm Fay flooded parts of Southwest Florida forcing hundreds of people out of their homes and into shelters. Since then, many viewers have called our newsroom or sent e-mails asking if undocumented immigrants will receive federal aid. WINK News has learned the answer is yes, sometimes.
A FEMA Spokesman tells WINK News undocumented immigrants can receive federal aid if a child is a U.S. citizen. It's been agency policy for a number of years.
FEMA Spokesperson William Lindsey says, "If there's someone who lives there like a child who has a social security number the parent can file under the child's social security number."
An undocumented who asked not to be identified says many will not apply out of fear, "They feel afraid because they have to give personal information out they're more at risk for getting caught by immigration and getting deported."
The idea of idea of undocumented immigrants receiving federal aid is sparking mixed emotions in Southwest Florida.
Sandra Berkshire says,"I couldn't possibly say not to let a child have the benefits of it."
Mary Clutz disagrees saying, "I feel sorry for people like that but what are you going to do when so many of our people are legal don't get help."
There are other misconceptions about FEMA aid. If you have insurance you should still apply for FEMA Aid because it could help pay for what insurance doesn't cover. You need to apply as soon as possible. You may be eligible for aid if you're a renter. You don't need to wait to clean up before an inspector comes to your home.
To apply, call 1-800-621-FEMA. Expect the call to take about 20 minutes.
Sunday, Oct 5 at 1:06 PM Amercian Native wrote ...
I think we should begin working cleaning, harvesting, cooking and all jobs immigrant does because we curse a lot about immigrants, but americans dont like that jobs, so we need them so we must have legal rights to them not just abuse of them
Friday, Sep 19 at 5:30 PM IllegalsGoHome wrote ...
I don't appreciate my tax dollars going into the pockets of people who STOLE into my country. I do feel sorry for those less fortunate than myself but there are plenty of LEGAL US CITIZENS who fit that description. We already support much of the world's less fortunate through foreign aid. I don't see why my tax dollars should support foreigners who are in MY country ILLEGALLY. If our government wants to use my tax dollars for these folks let 'em buy 'em a bus ticket!
Friday, Sep 19 at 11:36 AM jvilla wrote ...
my dear sunflower, from south americ americans that live outside the usa dont ask mexico and el salvador for food stamps, free education, medicaid which costs billions of dollars in tax payers money when americans live outside the usa they pay to stay in that country all you'all do here is beg for food stamps and many many more benefits you have never seen a canadian at the foods stamps or people from china in food stamps so!
Wednesday, Sep 17 at 6:06 AM Sunflower wrote ...
There is AMERICAN people that live outside the U.S.A.One reason is that if you have money then it's cheaper to live in Central America if you have money.When we went to visit my in-laws I saw many American's visiting and living in Guatemala and they don't pay TAXES.It costs alot of money to live here in the U.S.A. even thur it's a better life.The immigrants when they come here to work they leave there parents,children's,wife's,husbands the life they was raise in the way of life over there slow.
Sunday, Sep 14 at 6:38 PM DEE wrote ...
Why bring the kids into it??? Besides if US citizens have kids with illeagals,why should the kids be illeagal too??? You can't help who you fall in love with it & if your blessed with a child,they're just an innocent by stander.What's the big deal anyway do y'all even know how many Americans live in forein land with not even 1/2 the problems foreigners have to be here.
Wednesday, Sep 10 at 7:34 PM Sunflower wrote ...
Maybe the next chief of the U.S.A. will do something about Immigration.I hope some new laws will be made.Hopefully something will be done.
Wednesday, Sep 10 at 4:29 PM ESURFER wrote ...
JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE NO REPRESENTATION IN WASHINGTON OR YOUR STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THAT MATTER.
Wednesday, Sep 10 at 1:38 PM mpulsive wrote ...
I cannot believe we are paying these illegals from FEMA! They say they pay taxes -- how? You have to have a social security number to have withholding from your paycheck. They are all leaches and know the system even though they don't speaka the language.
Wednesday, Sep 10 at 12:02 PM Scarecrow wrote ...
I believe that U.S. legals should benefit from U.S. benefits. The fact that an illegal person is here and had a child does not make that person or child any more legal. What part of ILLEGAL do people NOT understand. There are entirely too many "legals" here in desparate need of help without having those benefits of our country deminished by "illegals". If it costs a lot of money to be legal, so be it. Freedom does not come free. Nor should free benefits go to those who are here illegally.
Wednesday, Sep 10 at 10:58 AM Jon TEXAS wrote ...
Hey, now how can you say that they are paying taxes when we all know they are paid under the table, or at least most are. Come on, wake up, they are not entitled to OUR money. The only ones that responds good for them are most likely not supposed to be here anyways.
Wednesday, Sep 10 at 10:01 AM Naplesgirl wrote ...
First off I would like to say I'm an American Citizen married to a forenier. You all think it is so easy to become legal in this country. We had to spend almost a year living in two different countries just to fix everything. We have a family that was split up because they don't make it easy to become legal. All you people who say illegals deserve no help at all are heartless. They are human like me and you. I guarentee you know one wether it is your lawnservice man or the cook in the restaurnt.
Wednesday, Sep 10 at 3:31 AM SCOTT wrote ...
I AGREE WITH U.S. CITIZEN, MASS DEPORTATION OR CIVIL WAR! WITH THESE LOWLIFE AMNESTY POLITIONS SUFFERING FIRST AND WORST!
Wednesday, Sep 10 at 1:06 AM Leon wrote ...
Illesal immigrants get out and go get in line every other american has done from the beginning, and thke your illgal children with you, and if you have a job give it back to the american that you got it from,
Tuesday, Sep 9 at 9:15 PM Fair wrote ...
Sorry, but I dont buy the illegals contributing billions in taxes so as to justify that is somehow OK for them to be here. Our old folks and vets are hurting paying for entitlements, schools, healthcare etc for these people while big business profits. 54 million new illegals and legals in a decade means huge new demands on these thing ( as well as gas and oil) and it does NOT bode well for the US taxpayer. It is that simple.
Tuesday, Sep 9 at 6:40 PM C L wrote ...
These people are tax-payers. According to the Social Security Administration, it is estimated that illegal immigrants have paid $450 billion to the SS security fund. Immigrant Households and Businesses Generate Billions: In 2005, immigrant households and businesses paid approximately $300 billion in federal, state, and local taxes: $165 billion in federal income taxes, $85 billion in state and local income taxes, and $50 billion in business taxes.Anti-immigrant loonies don't like toaccept truth
Tuesday, Sep 9 at 4:28 PM periwinke wrote ...
IILEGAL IMMIGRANTS SOMETIMES ARE ILLEGAL NOT BECAUSE THEY CROSSED THE BORDER, BUT BECAUSE THEY CAME TO USA LEGALLY AND THE LAW DOES NOT ALLOW THEM TO BECOME LEGALLY. NOT ALL BUT A LOT OF THEM PAY TAXES, HAVE THEIR COMPANY, THEIR TAX PAYER NUMBER AND PAY MUCH MORE TAXES THAN AN AMERICAN CITIZEN DOES. THEY HAVE TO PAY TAXES, BUT THEY DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE TAX RETURNS OR ANY REFUND FROM TAXES. AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HAS TO ABIDE BY ALL RULES AND LAWS IN USA BUT HAVE NO RIGHTS!
Tuesday, Sep 9 at 11:27 AM Thelma wrote ...
If the parents are illegal then the children should be illegal..
Tuesday, Sep 9 at 8:23 AM mary wrote ...
i got to agree with rick about the taxes the only taxes they pay is on there beer the rest the gov pays all the free things the illegally gets here needs to go to the old people that haves live here all their lives
Monday, Sep 8 at 8:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...
this is for sunflower. Your husband did the right thing when he came here, he did the legal way, not like the millions of people that come here illegally and choose to stay that way. I am a struggling single parent, born here same as my son and getting aid was hard, in fact didn't get any. it just makes me mad when people break the law, don't pay taxs (IE contribute back) yet suck up MY tax dollars!
Monday, Sep 8 at 7:44 PM US Citizen wrote ...
Mass deportations or civil war
Monday, Sep 8 at 7:41 PM Bernie wrote ...
The illegals are leaving because of the economy. Remittances are down, workplace raids are scaring them, e-verify works, etc. The message is, if you come here illegally, you need to worry every day that you will be deported if you are caught. Who wants to live like that? Not me.
Monday, Sep 8 at 7:24 PM Chantal wrote ...
The law is specific in that illegal aliens cannot receive benefits superior to those granted citizens. Every citizen who was denied FEMA aid should enjoin in a class action suit. Considering the multi-millions of dollars distributed by FEMA for fraudulent claims, combined with monies distributed to illegal aliens, renders this bogus entity just another venue for redistribution of wealth.
Monday, Sep 8 at 6:21 PM Bobby wrote ...
"Pay American citizen pay." A message sponsored by the McCain and Obama open borders campaigns for the Presidency.
Monday, Sep 8 at 6:09 PM Sunflower wrote ...
The Goverment should have got more hard on the illegal immigrants long time ago.My kids was born here and I was too we don't get help from the Goverment.I think the illegal and some natural born citizen's abuse the system that's why we all are stuffering right now.We own a home(Mortgage),Lawn Service and my husband have PAID TAXES from the being.We been marry for 10 years.I am just saying that their are many AMERICA using the Goverment in one way or the other.Not just the immigrants.
Monday, Sep 8 at 5:57 PM Sunflower wrote ...
I have went to Guatemala for myself to see the country.My husband was born there.And he have paid TAXES from the being.And we own a home,Lawn Service,have 2 children.And we don't get no GOVERMENT help.It's the GOVERMENT fault about giving foodstamps,Insurance,etc.They should been more hard on the illegal immigrants.Immigration have been around for a very long time and I don't see a end to it.The reason the immigrants come here because their GOVERMENT don't help their own people.That's sad.
Monday, Sep 8 at 5:40 PM Sunflower wrote ...
My husband is from Guatemala been here for 11 years and in 2008 he just became a U.S.A.Citizen.First of all it's very hard to do the paper-work to become legal.The Immigration Laws are there you have to go about it the right way but it cost alot of money,long time.I was born here in the U.S.A. and proud to be.When you fall in love you can't control who it is.I have been to Guatemala when he got his green card 4 years-ago.It was like a different world.It was very hard to go without common things.
Monday, Sep 8 at 5:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...
It will be a long time before we get leaders who won't aid and abet. Illegal immigration is far too profitable one way or the other. It's like an addiction - politicians, big business, anti-American organizations and foreign government have it all planned. The North American Union is here!
Monday, Sep 8 at 3:51 PM carlos mackey wrote ...
Sorry airboatboy I meant el pollo
Monday, Sep 8 at 3:42 PM carlos mackey wrote ...
airboatboy:I don't know about Florida but in California there is no tax on groceries. There is a tax on cooked food;8.25%.Even if all his income went on cooked food,that would only amount to less than $2,000 for an income of $20,000per year take home,do the math.
Monday, Sep 8 at 3:34 PM Jaster wrote ...
El Pollo, A Heritage Foundation study released during the debate on the McCain-Kennedy amnesty bill found that low-skilled immigrants (illegal or legal) consume at least twice as much in social services as they pay back in taxes. There are costs and benefits to any phenomenon; clearly, the costs of having low-skilled immigrants in the country outweigh whatever benefits may exist.
Monday, Sep 8 at 3:01 PM Mickey G wrote ...
Illegals pay no where near their fair share of taxes. Trying to say they pay a sales tax is a weak excuse. Remember each child in school costs the real taxpayers over $10,000 per year plus the English as a second language cost. If they are paying taxes they are unconvicted felons stealing an identity. ship them all back!
Monday, Sep 8 at 2:38 PM GeorgeS wrote ...
Hey el pollo, Foodstuffs are NOT taxed. Do YOU research before you post?
Monday, Sep 8 at 2:31 PM LadyM wrote ...
"Illegals pay taxes too,they pay taxes when they buy groceries at the store" You need to do your research, every illegal alien in this country costs every American taxpayer $7000 a year. What they pay in taxes is nothing compared to what a citizen pays. Do your research El Pollo before you speak!
Monday, Sep 8 at 2:28 PM oregonrr wrote ...
A few years ago I went to Benguet Philippines, and watched, and photographed, a FEMA assistance program for families of Overseas Sex Workers. I notified Congressional Members, like Greg Walden and Tom Tancredo in real time. Fema failed to post the signs for the general population but merely notified families of OSW's. Fema is just playing games! Why where they in Benguet in the first place? Why were they dispensing American formulary drugs for free? Why didn't FEMA care about decent people?
Monday, Sep 8 at 2:15 PM Kawigrl wrote ...
Sales Tax is for the state, not the Federal Govt. Don't make a comment unless YOU know what YOUR talking about.
Monday, Sep 8 at 2:15 PM alex wrote ...
I left a comment, but was denied my speach!
Monday, Sep 8 at 2:11 PM Dakota Sioux wrote ...
The governmnet buys bullets as well. That also could be a government benefit for criminal alins. This problem has reached the level of violence with law abiding Citizens suffering the consequences. It is time to take back our Nation. Who will be the next victim of a criminal alien? I pray it is not by child who is the victim of an illegal alien whom should not have been here in the first place.
Monday, Sep 8 at 2:00 PM Charles wrote ...
What happened with my previous comment?
Monday, Sep 8 at 1:49 PM Rocky wrote ...
Just another excuse to bring down the American people to Third World levels! Come one come all and destroy the U.S.A.! They are out to break us Americans! Of course we are also going to bail out their huge mortgage mess! Legalized robbery! Our great great great great grandchildren will not be able to clean up this dept. Now the FCC is selling our airwaves. Think we'll get a check? Hahahahah Big bucks will be made from us having to regulate to their new system.
Monday, Sep 8 at 1:46 PM Rcon1 wrote ...
typicsl we pay they rob us blind and take advantage of us again. I cant wait till these illegals stop burping out babies they cant possibly afford.
Monday, Sep 8 at 11:56 AM Alex wrote ...
I can not believe this ! Our Government condoning illegal activty. I am white, and disabled, and Charley wiped my son and I out, and never received anything. And does any one have any idea how many sex offenders come from Mexico? To make matters worse, They are allowed in shelters because they are protected by our Government. Our forefathers worked hard to become citizens, and now our borders are open for free money, etc.
Monday, Sep 8 at 11:52 AM ARIANNA wrote ...
HEY RICK THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF THERE OWN WHY DO YOU THINK THEY COME HERE
Monday, Sep 8 at 11:41 AM homeward bound wrote ...
So they pay taxes when they buy burritos. So what. That's why they can spread crime and disease and drugs and rape and kill and rob us, strain our healthcare and school systems to the breaking point with free education and emergency room care, overcrowd our prisons, and march down main street making demands of our government. My taxes pay for FEMA, instead my taxes should be paying to send them back home. I'm also sick of seeing your flag on American soil, while we pay your bills.
Monday, Sep 8 at 11:25 AM American wrote ...
I say, this is GOD's country. Come one come all. Once the money is finished, it is finished.
Monday, Sep 8 at 10:47 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Do they pay federal income tax? If not then I say get out. Or at least go through the process to become a LEGAL United States Citizen. That way not only can they contribute perhaps they can learn OUR language
Monday, Sep 8 at 10:29 AM mimi wrote ...
what these people pay in taxes when they buy groceries is nothing since they are buying the groceries with wic coupons and food stamps so no they barely pay taxes and they should not be benefiting from any kind of government assistance when we have alot of our legal and us born seniors and war veterans who can't get this help. i think it's a shame we know they are here illegally but we still give them assistance to live off of while they are here..sure rewards them for breaking the law..
Monday, Sep 8 at 10:24 AM SASHA wrote ...
I THINK IN A CATASTROPHE LIKE THAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE HELPED AT SOME POINT WHETHER YOU ARE LEGAL OR NOT, AND DONT CRITIZE THOSE PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST DOING THE JOBS AMERICAN CITIZENS DONT WANT TO..SO DONT DISCRIMINATE....
Monday, Sep 8 at 10:05 AM Bob wrote ...
And may I aslo add I am a American Citizen Born and raised in The United States yet no FEMA help or no SBA help shame shame US
Monday, Sep 8 at 10:02 AM Bob wrote ...
I didn't get 2 cents worth of help from FEMA after hurricane Charlie after 3 attempts to FEMA I was denied yet an illegal gets help God do I love my goverment they are as useless as 99% of the illegals
Monday, Sep 8 at 9:29 AM Born in the USA wrote ...
I have to agree with Rick, we pay taxes and they benefit. Please give me a break about feeling sorry for them. How would you feel if your child was in a car accident with one of them while stopped at a traffic light? The illegal had no insurance and was drunk on a Tuesday morning at 6:40! Here she is going to school and gets slammed from this illegal drunk and she will now have a problem with her hip for the rest of her life and she is not even 21! Tell me how would you feel? SEND THEM BACK!!
Monday, Sep 8 at 9:09 AM Anonymous wrote ...
big deal they pay taxs atthe grocery store but what about other taxs, like the ones we pay out of our paycheck. I am sickened by this, there are people who are natural born citizens that can't get help but these criminals (and like it or not they ARE CRIMINALS) get all the help they want.
Monday, Sep 8 at 9:02 AM Charles wrote ...
First illegals arent from mexico, only. Second all this people have jobs. Third why you are calling them criminals??? because criminals are everywhere and also citizens. If you have a bed at night,food, clothes you are lucky. They need help in this terrible moment this is not everyday. And "Illegals" make jobs that people from here never in the life would try to do. Come on if you dont want to help dont do it, but I think there is a lot of people that would like to, without asking status.
Monday, Sep 8 at 9:00 AM Too wet wrote ...
The ONLY aid they should get is a bus ticket out of this country.
Monday, Sep 8 at 7:48 AM Sonny wrote ...
The system is broken and no one has the guts to say so. No wonder the illegals are breaking down the doors to get here.Wonder if we went to Mexico could we get help from the goverment?
Monday, Sep 8 at 6:56 AM horsehead wrote ...
they are here to stay...never leaving...lighten up...relax...
Monday, Sep 8 at 5:55 AM el pollo wrote ...
Illegals pay taxes too,they pay taxes when they buy groceries at the store,do your research before u speak"RICK"
Monday, Sep 8 at 5:03 AM airboatboy wrote ...
And FEMA is a part of homeland security? Yeah, right. Nice secure feeling when a criminal can get benefits because they had a kid. Think it sends the wrong message?
Monday, Sep 8 at 4:52 AM Rick wrote ...
Stop the liberal lovefest and call them what they are.They are here illegally the money they get from the govt are paid by {documented}u.s.citizens who are forced to pay taxes to be given to non-taxpaying illegals.The invasion continues to get on the social welfare govt teat.
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