Hispanic Federation Statement on Trump Administration Decision to Move FEMA Disaster Relief Funds to Support Immigration Enforcement

New York, NY - Today, Hispanic Federation President José Calderón issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to move $271 million in FEMA disaster relief funds to support immigration enforcement at the border:

“President Donald Trump continues to show his disdain for the people of Puerto Rico and all victims of natural disasters across our nation by taking much needed funds from FEMA to advance his xenophobic border campaign promises. His effort to cover these actions by spouting lies about the disaster relief funding the Island has received only adds further insult to injury. No matter how many times he says it, we are still left with the truth that Puerto Rico has received far short of the $92 billion dollars the President likes to fabricate.

“The fact is that Congress has only allocated $42 billion to Puerto Rico, and only a fraction of that amount has reached the Island. Rather than lies and attacks, what the people of Puerto Rico need during this hurricane season is reassurance that the money they have been promised will be issued, and that our government will help the Island rebuild from the damage caused by Hurricane Maria and any new damage that may result from Tropical Storm Dorian.”

“The Hispanic Federation remains steadfast in its commitment to the Puerto Rican people and will continue to work with truly committed leaders and institutions in the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico to help our fellow American citizens on the Island rebuild their lives.”