Immigration

Do I need to be a U.S. resident or citizen to apply for emergency disaster relief?

• You can qualify for non-cash FEMA disaster programs even without legal immigration status.
• Getting other benefits depends on your immigration status.

Will I be considered a public charge and denied residency if I apply for emergency disaster relief?

• No. INS will not count acceptance of emergency disaster relief public cash assistance as something that could prevent you from becoming a resident.
• You will not be classified as a public charge solely because you accept emergency disaster assistance.

If I lost my "green card" in the disaster, how can I get a replacement?

• You need to fill out immigration Form I-90. You can e-file at the website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• You can get the immigration Form I-90 from INS by calling the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD for the hearing impaired) OR you can download the Form I-90 and instructions here.
• Along with the I-90, you must submit two recent photographs. The photographs must be 2" x 2" color with a white backgound - "passport" style.
• You must include $365.00, plus an $85.00 fee for biometrics. The TOTAL filing fee is $450.00. These fees may change.
• Any bank drafts, cashier's checks, certified checks, personal checks, or money orders must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions and payable in U.S. funds. Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (not "USDHS" or "DHS").
• If you can't afford the fee, you may be able to convince INS to waive it.

If I lost my work permit in the disaster, how can I get a replacement?

• You need to fill out immigration Form I-765, Application for Employment Verification.
• You can get the immigration Form I-765 from INS by calling 1-800-870-3676 OR you can download the Form I-765 and instructions here.
• If you have a photocopy of your lost work permit, attach it to the I-765. Also include a photocopy of any papers that entitle you to a work permit, such as application of asylum, suspension of deportation or adjustment of status.
• You have to include a $380.00 fee.
• Any bank drafts, cashier's checks, certified checks, personal checks, or money orders must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions and payable in U.S. funds. Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (not "USDHS" or "DHS").
• You can also e-file at the website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Can I work while waiting for a replacement?

• Yes. The Department of Homeland Security has told employers that they can hire people who have lost their work papers and even their proof of identity.

Where can I get more information?

• For more resources for immigrants, visit the website of the National Immigration Law Center's Immigrant Eligibility for Disaster Assistance.

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