Elegibilidad para la ayuda por desastres de la FEMA para inmigrantes
Kyle Huffman • December 14, 2023
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Recientemente, una serie de desastres naturales que se han extendido por todo Estados Unidos han dominado los titulares de las noticias. Desde los incendios forestales en Maui hasta los huracanes que azotan la costa este y oeste de los Estados Unidos continentales con solo unas semanas de diferencia. En conjunto, estos desastres naturales han costado, y se espera que le cuesten, a Estados Unidos decenas de miles de millones de dólares en daños.
Con la cobertura noticiosa de estos horribles eventos, muchas personas en los Estados Unidos que son indocumentadas o que viven con estatus temporal tienen preguntas sobre su elegibilidad para recibir asistencia por desastre si les sucede un desastre natural. Afortunadamente, la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA) ofrece orientación clara sobre esta elegibilidad para recibir ayuda de FEMA en respuesta a un desastre natural o emergencia similar.
La FEMA ofrece asistencia, que puede tomar formas que incluyen asistencia financiera directa para asistencia de alquiler, reparación de viviendas, pérdida de propiedad o pérdidas médicas, para no ciudadanos calificados. En este contexto, un no ciudadano calificado incluye cualquiera de los siguientes:
- Residentes Legales Permanentes (titulares de “Green Card”)
- A los no ciudadanos se les concede asilo
- Refugiados
- No ciudadanos cuyo estatus de deportación está retenido durante al menos un año
- No ciudadanos con permiso de ingreso a los EE. UU. durante al menos un año con fines humanitarios urgentes o beneficio público significativo.
- Participantes cubanos / haitianos
- Ciertos no ciudadanos maltratados o sus cónyuges o hijos
- Ciertas víctimas de una forma grave de trata de personas, incluidas personas con visa “T” o “U”
Además, un hogar puede solicitar ciertas formas de asistencia en nombre de un menor calificado, siempre que el padre o tutor del menor calificado viva en el mismo hogar y presente la solicitud como co-solicitante.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre lo que esto significa para usted, programe una consulta con uno de nuestros abogados experimentados.
Esperamos con interés trabajar con usted.
Este blog no pretende ser asesoramiento legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar según cualquier información leída aquí.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence. If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.
