Hurricane Idalia: Here’s what happens to undocumented immigrants in Florida as they seek refuge from natural disasters

The eye of Idalia made landfall on the morning of this Wednesday, Aug. 30, as a major hurricane on the coast of northwest Florida, near Keaton Beach, with winds of 125 mph, the Center reported. United States National Hurricane and announced agency EFE.

Given the imminent arrival of the major hurricane in the state of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis had urged residents of evacuation zones, especially those located in low-lying or coastal areas, to seek shelter in shelters, hotels or other areas. houses of friends located in higher and safer places.

Up to 50 shelters were set up and more than 1.6 million people were ordered to evacuate their homes in Florida due to its proximity to Idalia, it was announced on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

Idalia had a strong chance of becoming a major hurricane from the start, the National Hurricane Center estimated. The entity also warned it could be “extremely dangerous” due to the storm surges, EFE expanded.

According to the winds recorded by the hurricane chaser aircraft, Idalia was a hurricane with Category 3 winds when it made landfall. About two hours before landing, the wind was 225 km/h, i.e. category 4.

These are the Florida counties in distress due to Hurricane Idalia

Undocumented immigrants face the hurricane’s proximity

The emergency declared in Florida opened the door of doubt and even fear among immigrants: many wondered if they could ask for help and, even better, shelter in a shelter given the restrictions they have faced since July. of the enactment of Florida’s controversial immigration law, us.as.com reports.

Calling for calm, the Florida Immigrant Coalition assured that both Florida residents and immigrants “MAY ask for refuge and help! Some immigrants even qualify for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) assistance.”

The aforementioned site emphasized that “anyone can apply for refuge, regardless of their immigration status.”

Even “some migrants with green cards or other immigration protections may qualify for assistance from FEMA, which provides assistance to people in disaster areas.”

According to the coalition mentioned above, “shelters should not ask for identity documents” and one very important fact: “Immigration authorities do not operate during the state of emergency”.

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Approach without fear, confirms Noticias Telemundo

Telemundo reported that Hurricane Idalia states of emergency had been declared in 40 counties. In some affected areas, the storm surge can reach 3 to 4.50 meters.

When asked if people who do not have regular immigration status can access emergency services, journalist Rogelio Mora-Tagle of Clearwater, Florida, confirmed: “Yes, they also have access to all the services provided by authorities in all counties.

“They can approach without fear,” he explained, “they will not ask for identification, they can receive with full confidence these kinds of services such as: shelter, free transportation, food and everything they offer will be for them too. . Migrants without papers can go to (for example, the reception center) without any problems.”

For more information about FEMA, read here

Know Hurricane Idalia updates You can be kept up to date through the social networks of the Emergency Management Department and of the National Weather Service.

(JO)

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