by Adolfo Flores and Mario Aguirre
A series of wildfires that have blazed for a more 7than week in six Southern California counties that are home to 7.2 million Hispanics—nearly 40°/0 of their combined population—finally appear under control.
The wind-driven inferno initiated the largest series of evacuations in the state’s history.
It blackened more than a half-million acres, destroyed 1,800 homes and caused seven deaths. Four of those caught and killed by the blaze are :believed to be undocumented migrants. Their charred bodies, found Oct, 25 near the Mexican border have been sent to the San Diego County Coroner’s Office to attempt to identify them.
The U.S. government and local outreach organizations as well as the Mexican Red Cross, have extended a hand to those in need of shelter, food or medical care. The National Council of La Raza teamed up with the American Red Cross to ensure the needs of the Latino community are met. The ARC has asked NCLR to share information on any other relief services where it may refer displaced families and to identify specific locations where communities are having difficulties.
A fact sheet was prepared by the two groups and the National Immigration Law Center to help non-English speaking immigrants navigate the different avenues for receiving aid.
“We’re making sure that the Hispanic community has the information and resources to receive the help it needs,” said NCLR spokesperson Laura Anduze. “We understand it may be difficult for them to seek assistance.”
Mexico’s Red Cross has been helping out in San Diego since Oct. 25 in providing bilingual assistance to the Spanish-speaking community.
Firefighters from Tijuana have been aiding firefighters from California and neighboring states on both sides of the border.
President Bush joined Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on an Oct. 25 visit to the “disaster” areas in San Diego and promised federal aid to the fire victims.
“This declaration means millions of dollars in much-needed assistance to help our state rebuild and recover,’ ‘Schwarzenegger said. “The federal government did the right thing.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency set up a hotline aimed at the Hispanic community and those who speak 173 other foreign languages. In the six affected countles there are nearly 3 million Spanish speakers with limited English skills, accord. ing to the 2000 Census.
FEMA also sent bilingual and multicultural representatives to assist those in the devastated areas.
The hotline is the starting point for victims to register for federal assistance. Families can receive up to 28,000 for temporary housing, building repairs, lost possessions, and medical and funeral costs through their Individuals and Households Program.
Within the first 48 to 74 emergency-period hours, FEMA disregarded victims’ legal status when issuing services. To receive the financial aid, proof of legal status is required, however. Not all members of a family must show such proof to qualify. In fact, FEMA requires that just one family member —children and minors allowed—to be a citizen, resident or a qualified foreigner. One person’s information is sufficient during the registration process. A parent must make it clear that the aid is for his or her child.
“If a person doesn’t meet the requirements, we refer them to other volunteer or faith-based 1organizations where they don’t need to provide information regarding their legal status,” said FEMA spokesperson’ Mayra López de la Victoria.
Although the federal government has been quick to offer aid, undocumented communities such as the Mixtecos in San Diego’s canyons will be left out of the loop when it comes to rebuilding their lives.
Amanda Martinez of New American Media reported that Mexican government officials are filling the gap. The Mexican Consulate has been at the forefront of the effort to meet the needs of the undocumented community through partnerships with other groups.
Grassroots organization Casa Familiar located near the border doesn’t ask for documentation. It has become an emergency evacuation center.
Outreach worker Mónica Hernández found that members of the undocumented community were reluctant to evacuate their homes and receive help because of their fear of the Border Patrol.
