Hilda L. Solis: “I am discouraged to learn that FEMA's approach towards Latinos seeking hurricane relief assistance is woefully…”

“I am discouraged to learn that FEMA's approach towards Latinos seeking hurricane relief assistance is woefully inadequate. Yesterday the Los Angeles Times highlighted the neighborhood in Kenner, Louisiana, that has failed to receive emergency shelter assistance from FEMA. The article quoted a FEMA spokesperson who stated, ``Part of the problem for the Hispanic community is that if you are illegal, you cannot apply for housing.'' It is unfortunate, however, that FEMA made such an ignorant and false assumption. About 1,500 to 1,800 people living in the HUD subsidized apartments are legal residents. Legal. And they qualify for assistance according to city officials. {time} 1015 Latinos contribute significantly to the social and economic fabric of the gulf coast, working in casinos, in the poultry industry, in hotels, and on construction sites. These communities should also be eligible for emergency aid and ensure that their families are safe and healthy. They should not be made victims because of someone's ignorance. Just as Hurricane Katrina did not discriminate when it swooped along the gulf coast, neither should FEMA make such a gross, negligent, and ignorant assumption about a person's immigration status. ____________________”