[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 21, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H8167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     KATRINA AND RELIEF FOR LATINOS

  (Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, 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.

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