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The Department of Homeland Security is banning states and volunteer organizations that receive federal disaster relief funds from assisting undocumented immigrants
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The new rules were first reported in a Washington Post ysis, citing interviews with federal emergency management officials
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DHS will mandate that disaster relief groups receiving federal dollars cooperate with immigration authorities and enforcement
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A FEMA historian tells the Post the move is unprecedented, and some volunteer groups question whether it's legal, citing concerns with asking people legal status and some states that prohibit the practice
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New York, for instance, offers disaster assistance to anyone regardless of legal status
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Faith-based groups like the Salvation Army do not traditionally ask individuals about their religious beliefs, political affiliation, or legal status
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And some say it impedes their freedom to help whomever they please Now in order to reportedly receive federal grants and awards volunteer groups must agree to not operate any program that benefits undocumented immigrants
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or incentivizes illegal immigration. States and organizations are also prohibited from concealing a person's legal status under the new guidelines
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If states reject these conditions, they are ineligible for disaster relief money
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Nonprofits worry the new rules make even legal immigrants fearful to seek help
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saying many mixed households have parents who may be undocumented, but children who are legal citizens
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The new policy also targets DEI, and some have raised concerns it may impact Spanish-speaking volunteers
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who help with rescues and other programs. So far, it's unclear how this may be impacted
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The latest rule change is in line with the Trump administration's recent efforts to enhance screening for green card, visa and citizenship applicants
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