SW Iowa Times

Following severe weather in the South and Midwest, the Department of Homeland Security released a statement on the importance of seeking safety and support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other government agencies. This support comes, the release said, regardless of immigration status.

"DHS encourages all eligible individuals to apply for and seek out assistance," according to the release. "Please go to https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms for instructions on how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance." 

Updated guidelines for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforcement actions in areas with special protection requirements have been in effect since Oct. 27, according to a DHS memorandum. Sites that exist to provide emergency response and relief are considered protected areas in regards to ICE and CBP enforcement actions. 

DHS reportedly does not want to restrain people’s access to and engagement in essential services, and they are aiding state, federal, local and non-governmental agencies in supporting areas affected by the severe weather and tornadoes experienced in the South and Midwest.  

This amnesty doesn’t extend to people perceived to be violent. 

“FEMA does not collect information regarding immigration status or that of any member of an applicant’s household and does not proactively provide personal information to ICE or CBP for immigration enforcement," according to the release. "However, in rare circumstances, based on a specific request, ICE or CBP could request this information if a person poses a current threat to national security or public safety.”