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FEMA for America First Act of 2025

3/27/2025, 8:07 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1748

Bill 119 hr 1748, also known as the "Disaster Assistance for Non-Qualified Aliens Act," aims to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The main provision of this bill is to make aliens who are not considered qualified aliens ineligible for certain types of disaster assistance.

Qualified aliens are individuals who are legally present in the United States and meet specific criteria, such as having a valid visa or green card. The bill seeks to restrict access to certain types of disaster relief, such as financial assistance or temporary housing, for non-qualified aliens.

The rationale behind this bill is to ensure that taxpayer-funded disaster assistance is prioritized for individuals who are legally present in the country. Supporters argue that limiting assistance to qualified aliens will help prevent misuse of funds and ensure that resources are allocated to those who are entitled to receive them. Critics of the bill argue that it could potentially leave vulnerable populations, such as undocumented immigrants, without access to critical disaster relief services. They argue that in times of crisis, all individuals should have access to necessary assistance regardless of their immigration status. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1748 raises important questions about the intersection of immigration policy and disaster relief efforts. It will be important for lawmakers to carefully consider the potential impacts of this bill on vulnerable populations and ensure that all individuals affected by disasters have access to the assistance they need.

Congressional Summary of HR 1748

FEMA for America First Act of 2025

This bill restricts the eligibility of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) for federal disaster assistance benefits by eliminating eligibility for individuals with certain immigration statuses. 

Under current law, a non-U.S. national must have one of several specific immigration statuses (e.g., lawful permanent resident, parolee, or refugee) to be eligible for federal disaster assistance provided to individuals (e.g., the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program or disaster unemployment assistance).

The bill narrows the immigration statuses eligible for disaster assistance to individuals by making non-U.S. nationals ineligible for such assistance if they are

  • a parolee (i.e., paroled into the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit), 
  • an asylee that has not sought adjustment to lawful permanent resident status, or 
  • a refugee that has not sought adjustment to lawful permanent resident status.

Current Status of Bill HR 1748

Bill HR 1748 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 27, 2025. Bill HR 1748 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 27, 2025.  Bill HR 1748's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. as of February 27, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1748

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1748

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1748

To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide that aliens who are not qualified aliens are ineligible for certain assistance, and for other purposes.
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide that aliens who are not qualified aliens are ineligible for certain assistance, and for other purposes.

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