The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is barring states and volunteer groups that receive federal funding from helping undocumented immigrants. New requirements in the department’s fiscal contracts clarify members of disaster relief organizations are prohibited from operating any program that may assist or encourage undocumented immigration. This announcement is part of a wider effort by the government to adopt stricter immigration enforcement measures.

In a statement following the DHS announcement, FEMA clarified that it will follow the department’s directions. Volunteer organizations typically receive federal funding via the states, who allocate the money to each organization on need.

The new policy also targets the use of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, which could hamper disaster relief efforts of organizations like FEMA. Since these groups often work in areas with large Spanish-speaking and Latin American populations, FEMA often hires Spanish-speakers to help with the locals. Such positions could violate the government’s anti-DEI initiative and make it harder for relief organizations to secure funding.

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