67% Americans Oppose FEMA Housing Aid For Undocumented Migrants Amid Funding Concerns: Poll

A new poll has revealed that two-thirds of Americans believe the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should not provide housing for undocumented immigrants.

"Should any FEMA money have gone to housing immigrants here illegally, or should FEMA funds have not gone to that purpose?" the Harvard CAPS and The Harris Poll had asked its respondents.

About 67% of respondents were of the opinion that FEMA funds should not have been used to help migrants living in the country illegally, while 33% thought otherwise.

When responses by political parties were considered, 51% of Democrats felt FEMA money should not go to housing undocumented immigrants, while 49% disagreed. In contrast, 80% of Republicans believed the agency's funds should not be used for this purpose, while 20% felt otherwise.

The poll was conducted from Oct. 11 to 13, and comprised 3,145 registered voters, including 2,596 likely voters and 898 voters from battleground states. The margin of error for the total sample is +/- 1.8 points at a 95% confidence level, according to the poll.

The Joe Biden administration -- where Kamala Harris served as the vice president, apart from currently running for the presidency -- was facing criticism from Republicans due to worries about FEMA's cash flow.

These concerns arose after Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas mentioned the agency's financial difficulties during hurricane season. Immigration policy was a major issue for voters, with many seeing former President Donald Trump as being tougher on immigration compared to Harris.

Claims about FEMA funds being used for migrants have been amplified following several statements made by the GOP during a heated election season, especially after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused damage in Florida and other Southeastern states.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that federal emergency disaster funds were given to undocumented migrants.

"They stole the FEMA money, just like they stole it from a bank, so they could give it to their illegal immigrants that they want to have vote for them this season," Trump said earlier this month, during a rally in Michigan.

The same claim has been repeated by many of his high-profile supporters.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott claimed that FEMA spent over $640 million on migrants, money that could have been used to fill budget gaps.

"FEMA has run out of money for the rest of hurricane season because Kamala Harris used the funds for free giveaways to illegal immigrants. This is inexcusable and yet another example of Kamala Harris putting Americans LAST!" Trump Campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

However, FEMA released a statement last week, clarifying, "No money is being diverted from disaster response needs."

"FEMA's disaster response efforts and individual assistance are funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster-related efforts."

Earlier this week, FEMA workers in North Carolina's Rutherford County were forced to move following a threat of violence against them, leaving about 65,000 residents struggling to clean up mud and debris left by Hurricane Helene.