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CLINIC URGES DHS TO SUSPEND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT DURING RELIEF EFFORTS
Nov. 5, 2007 (download as PDF file)
Contact: Melissa Williams
Public Affairs & Media Relations Officer
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
(202) 635-5810
mwilliams@cliniclegal.org
Washington, DC – The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) urges the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend its immigration enforcement measures in the wake of natural or man-
made disasters. During such disasters and national emergencies, DHS should announce a relaxation of
immigration enforcement to encourage all residents to participate in government relief efforts and to access
basic services. Such participation is essential to the survival of individuals and to the protection of the
public at large.
CLINIC applauds the heroism of the countless first responders, firefighters, relief workers and volunteers
who provided assistance to victims of the recent Southern California wild fires. However, CLINIC is
concerned by troubling reports from relief workers that immigrants have been denied and discouraged
from receiving emergency services and, in at least one reported case, placed in deportation proceedings.
According to CLINIC Executive Director Donald Kerwin, “It is cruel and poor public policy to discourage non-
citizens from accessing vital services during times of emergency. Public safety, health and recovery
should be the priority.”
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, CLINIC called upon DHS to adopt a policy to separate its immigration
enforcement activities from its humanitarian and relief activities. To date, DHS has failed to implement or
publicly announce such a policy. Reports from the recent Southern California recovery efforts further
illustrate the need for one.
“The lack of a clear policy fosters an atmosphere of fear that is counterproductive to government relief and
recovery efforts. During times of national emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks, all
residents must feel assured that they can seek relief services. Policies that fail to promote full participation
undermine our nation’s security and best interests,” said Kerwin.
# # #
Nov. 5, 2007 (download as PDF file)
Contact: Melissa Williams
Public Affairs & Media Relations Officer
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
(202) 635-5810
mwilliams@cliniclegal.org
Washington, DC – The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) urges the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend its immigration enforcement measures in the wake of natural or man-
made disasters. During such disasters and national emergencies, DHS should announce a relaxation of
immigration enforcement to encourage all residents to participate in government relief efforts and to access
basic services. Such participation is essential to the survival of individuals and to the protection of the
public at large.
CLINIC applauds the heroism of the countless first responders, firefighters, relief workers and volunteers
who provided assistance to victims of the recent Southern California wild fires. However, CLINIC is
concerned by troubling reports from relief workers that immigrants have been denied and discouraged
from receiving emergency services and, in at least one reported case, placed in deportation proceedings.
According to CLINIC Executive Director Donald Kerwin, “It is cruel and poor public policy to discourage non-
citizens from accessing vital services during times of emergency. Public safety, health and recovery
should be the priority.”
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, CLINIC called upon DHS to adopt a policy to separate its immigration
enforcement activities from its humanitarian and relief activities. To date, DHS has failed to implement or
publicly announce such a policy. Reports from the recent Southern California recovery efforts further
illustrate the need for one.
“The lack of a clear policy fosters an atmosphere of fear that is counterproductive to government relief and
recovery efforts. During times of national emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks, all
residents must feel assured that they can seek relief services. Policies that fail to promote full participation
undermine our nation’s security and best interests,” said Kerwin.
# # #
Media inquiries: Melissa Williams
Public Affairs & Media Relations Officer
(202) 635-5810
Public Affairs & Media Relations Officer
(202) 635-5810
415 Michigan Ave., NE
Suite 150
Washington, DC 20017
202.635.2556
202.635.2649 fax
media inquiries:
e-mail me
(202) 635-5810
Suite 150
Washington, DC 20017
202.635.2556
202.635.2649 fax
media inquiries:
e-mail me
(202) 635-5810
Report available at:
http://www.immigrantsandiego.org/files/Final%2
0web%20report%20-%20Firestorms.pdf
http://www.immigrantsandiego.org/files/Final%2
0web%20report%20-%20Firestorms.pdf