Do I need to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident to apply for disaster relief?

FEMA non-emergency disaster assistance and unemployment assistance programs are available only to individuals lawfully within the U.S. Individuals not lawfully within the U.S. may qualify for emergency, non-cash, FEMA disaster assistance. Furthermore, private organizations, such as the American Red Cross, are not restricted from providing services to illegal immigrants. Contact the specific organizations for eligibility information.

I am not a lawful resident but my child was born in the U.S. Is my child eligible to receive disaster relief?

Your child is potentially eligible for FEMA disaster relief, including non-emergency relief. While minor children may receive public benefits for themselves if they were born in the U.S., they may not receive benefits for their undocumented parents or other family members.

My “Green Card” was destroyed by the wildfire. What must I do to replace it?

If your Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”) was destroyed you must replace it as soon as possible. To replace your Green Card you must fill out a USCIS Form I-90 and file it in person at your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) office. Form I-90 is available at www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm, or you may call the USCIS Forms request line at (800) 870-3676. Along with the Form I-90, you must also submit two residency photographs taken within the last 30 days and a check or money order for $130 to cover the processing fee. Once the Form I-90 is submitted at the USCIS office, you may request temporary evidence of your permanent residency status, valid for travel and/or employment purposes.

What must I do to replace a lost work permit?

To replace a lost work permit you must fill out and submit Form I-765. The form is available through the USCIS website and phone number given above. Along with the completed form include a photocopy of any applications or documents that entitle you to obtain a work permit, such as application of asylum, suspension of deportation, or adjustment of status. Also, a $120 cashier’s check or money order must be included to obtain a replacement work permit. Completed I-765 forms must be mailed to:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
California Service Center
P.O. Box 30111
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-0111

Almost all necessary immigration forms can be found at the web address above. For further information regarding the replacement of immigration papers please contact USCIS at www.uscis.gov, or call (800) 375-5283.

Do I need to let USCIS know that I have moved as a result of the wildfires?

All non-U.S. citizens who are required to be registered are also required to keep the USCIS informed of any change of address. To report a change of address you must file Form AR-11, available through the USCIS website or phone number given above.

Where is my local USCIS office?

Los Angeles District Office (serving Los Angeles and Ventura counties):
300 North Los Angeles Street, Room 1001
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Mon. - Wed. & Fri., 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Thur., 6 a.m. - 12 noon.

San Bernardino Sub-Office:
655 W. Rialto Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92410
Hours: Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

San Diego District Office:
U.S. Federal Building
880 Front Street, Suite 1234
San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Mon., Tues., Thur., Fri. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.; closed Wed.

Where can I find more information?

Additional information is available from USCIS at (800) 375-5283 or at www.uscis.gov. Individuals with immigration-related questions are encouraged to consult an attorney since this is a complicated area of law. Please see the “Lawyer Referral Services & Legal Aid” section of this HandBook, for legal services available in your area.