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Latino Daily News

Monday May 2, 2011

Illegal Immigrants Lose Homes in Tornadoes, Fearful to Ask for Federal Aid

Illegal Immigrants Lose Homes in Tornadoes, Fearful to Ask for Federal Aid

Photo: Undocumented Aliens Losing Homes from AL tornadoes

Click Here to Enlarge Photo

As the southeast region of the U.S. starts its recovery from deadly tornadoes that left countless dead, undocumented aliens living in the region are fearful to rebuild with federal aid.

For example, the 30 or so families that are illegally in the country and lost their homes and possessions in Alberta and Holt, Alabama are receiving help from the community and the church only.  They are fearful even to go back to their home sites, homes they own, because federal authorities are there cleaning up – the fear of deportation is too great.

“What happens is that many do not want to talk, they’re afraid of the police because they are illegal,” said Martin Izaguirre, a volunteer who works at a shelter.

Alabama’s official count indicates that only eight illegal aliens are still missing and uncounted for after the tornadoes.  Church groups and other undocumented individuals peg the number much higher – instead neighbors are looking for them.