Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) is reintroducing legislation to keep Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief funds going solely to American citizens and lawful permanent residents, saying, "American citizens must be our priority when it comes to disaster recovery."
Specifically, Rep. Steube's bill requires noncitizens, meaning lawful permanent residents, to present a green card and valid taxpayer requirements to receive FEMA aid. Asylees and refugees must similarly prove they are actively working toward receiving lawful permanent residence.
The legislation is likely a response to reports that FEMA had spent approximately $59 million to house illegal aliens in New York City, which many assume was why former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced FEMA lacked funds for relief from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024.
In addition to saying, "American citizens must be our priority when it comes to disaster recovery," in his press release, Rep. Steube added, "For too long, FEMA benefits have been extended to paroled noncitizens and individuals who entered our country under policies that many believe have put genuine Americans at a disadvantage.
"The [Biden] Administration's use of humanitarian parole has enabled those without a clear path to lawful permanent residency to tap into disaster relief funds. My legislation restores accountability and ensures that FEMA's critical resources are directed first and foremost to American taxpayers and lawful residents," the Florida Congressman continued.
In December, Steube introduced the Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters (STAND) Act, which would withhold bilateral, multilateral, and humanitarian non-defense foreign assistance obligated or expended by the State Department or USAID during the first 60 days of a Presidentially declared disaster.
The STAND Act was introduced in response to the Biden Administration's announcement of over $1 billion in foreign aid to 31 African countries suffering from natural disasters last week, sparking outrage among Americans for not going to those suffering in North Carolina and Florida after severe hurricanes devastated their communities.
