Press Release

For Immediate Release, September 7, 2004
Contacto: Lorraine Quiroga, 202-833-6130

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is calling for emergency assistance in predominately Hispanic areas of Florida that seem to have been left behind during relief efforts. 

With hurricanes hitting the state of Florida two times in the past month relief is desperately needed.  Unfortunately, there are areas that are obtaining less than adequate assistance possibly due to the undocumented status of many of their residents. 

Areas that have large Hispanic farmworker populations such as Desoto and Manattee Counties are suffering terribly.  “There are homeless families that have no where to turn.  We see children suffering from mosquito bites and diarrhea from the horribly unsanitary conditions,” said LULAC Florida State Director Anita de Palma.  “We will all suffer the consequences of diseases if we do not get these people help immediately,” added de Palma.

According to the Associated Press, “[t]he Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) limits cash-assistance and unemployment programs to U.S. citizens and qualified aliens, although undocumented residents can get non-monetary help such as ice, water, shelter, food and counseling.”  In Desoto County, where flooding and damage is rampant due to both hurricanes, there are many that are failing to receive assistance from FEMA.  The reason is two-fold.  First, FEMA closed up their relief sites during the second hurricane and second because many immigrants fear they could face deportation if they come forward.  Unfortunately many immigrants are misinformed because undocumented immigrants may obtain many vital services such as food, and shelter without revealing their status.  In fact, FEMA director Michael Brown has publicly stated that undocumented immigrants should not be afraid to come forward for assistance.

Another problem is that FEMA’s guidelines allow it to provide service only to counties which are declared “disaster areas.”  This classification is based on property damage claims and unfortunately the damage assessed did not exceed FEMA’s threshold. Obviously low income immigrant communities are put at a disadvantage by this FEMA policy even though they are likely to need aid more than other more affluent communities. 

Thankfully LULAC of Florida has taken some significant steps to assist those underserved populations in these counties.  “We are doing our best but we have very limited resources.  We are calling for LULAC members and others to send donations as soon as possible,” said de Palma. “We are in desperate need of diapers and food for the forgotten.”

“We must come to the assistance of our brothers and sisters during these very difficult times,” said LULAC National President Hector Flores.  You may send your tax deductible donations to LULAC, 201 East Main, Suite 605, El Paso, Texas 79901, please make checks payable to the LULAC Institute.  Please call Anita de Palma at 727-446-0272 or email her at Adepalma@msn.com if you would like to volunteer for this effort.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.