U.S. Representative Greg Steube from Florida has reintroduced the FEMA for America First Act, aiming to limit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) benefits to specific noncitizens. The bill intends to ensure that federal disaster relief resources are primarily reserved for American citizens.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing laws by stipulating that only noncitizens with lawful permanent resident status, asylees, and refugees actively working toward such status would be eligible for FEMA assistance following natural disasters.
Rep. Steube emphasized the need to prioritize American citizens in disaster recovery efforts. He stated, “American citizens must be our priority when it comes to disaster recovery.” He further criticized current policies, noting that “the current administration’s use of humanitarian parole has enabled those without a clear path to lawful permanent residency to tap into disaster relief funds.”
According to the proposed changes, any noncitizen seeking FEMA aid would be required to possess a valid green card and meet taxpayer requirements. Asylees and refugees would also need to demonstrate active progress toward obtaining lawful permanent resident status.
Currently, federal law allows any noncitizen paroled into the U.S. for at least one year for urgent humanitarian purposes to qualify for FEMA benefits—a provision Rep. Steube argues has been misused. The reintroduction of this bill is seen as an effort to realign FEMA’s mission with the needs of American citizens during crises.
