Immigration Issues After a Disaster
Disasters can often bring up concerns and issues related to immigrations status. This page contains information about status requirements to receive disaster assistance, how to replace lost immigration status or work permit documents, and related departments you may need to keep updated throughout your recovery in order to avoid any misunderstandings.
Do I need to be a U.S. resident or citizen to apply for emergency disaster assistance?
Short-term, non-cash, in-kind emergency disaster relief is available regardless of immigration status. This includes emergency medical care, shelter, food, and other essential needs. Eligibility for long-term FEMA Assistance Programs, Individual and family Grant Programs, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance is restricted to “qualified” immigrants and victims of human trafficking. Contact FEMA to see if you are in a “qualified” immigrant status. If you are not a qualified immigrant, another adult household member may qualify the household for assistance.
Can an undocumented immigrant apply for FEMA cash assistance on behalf of a child who is a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if the child is under 18 and lives with the undocumented person. No information on the adult’s immigration status is required. Only the child’s Social Security number is required.
Will I be considered a public charge and denied residency if I apply for emergency disaster relief?
No. Emergency disaster relief is not considered public cash assistance preventing you from becoming a resident. You will not be classified as a public charge solely because you have accepted emergency disaster assistance.
If I lost my Permanent Resident Cards (Green Card) in a natural disaster or tornado, how can I get a replacement?
Permanent residents and conditional residents (with a two-year card that has not expired) who need to replace a lost green card or conditional resident two-year card must fill out USCIS Form I-90 either:
- Online at www.uscis.gov/i-90 (must create a USCIS online account) or by
- Mailing the application. The form can be downloaded from www.uscis.gov/i-90
If you are sending the application by US Postal Services (USPS) send it to:
USCIS
Attn: I-90
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036
If you are using USPS Express Mail/Courier, send to:
USCIS
Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)
1820 E. Skyharbor, Circle S, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
There is a filing fee of $540.00 per application. More information is available at:
www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis and https://www.uscis.gov/i-90
If I lost my work permit in a natural disaster or tornado, how can I get it replaced?
Fill out and file immigration form I-765. Include two passport-type photos and a check or money order payable to USCIS in the amount of $410-$495 (This fee is subject to change; https://www.uscis.gov/i-765). This fee can be waived if you show inability to pay.
How do I get the immigration forms I need to apply for new papers?
You can get immigration forms by mail from the USCIS by calling 1-800-870-3676. This service is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You can get help in completing immigration forms from the agencies listed under “IMMIGRATION” at the end of this guidebook. These agencies may also have copies of immigration forms. If you have any concerns about your current immigration status, contact one of these agencies for legal assistance before applying for a green card or a work permit, because if you are not eligible you will lose your money.
Do I need to let USCIS or the immigration court know that I have moved because of a natural disaster?
It depends on what type of immigration case you have, whether you are required to notify the USCIS of your new address and where you send the notification. To find out what to do in your case or situation, you can call the USCIS toll-free number: 1-800-870-3676.
