Statement on Impartiality of American Red Cross
Disaster Services
The American
Red Cross, as a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement, adheres to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross
and Red Crescent Movement.Specifically,
the Principle of Impartiality states, "It makes no discrimination based
upon nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions.It endeavors to relieve the suffering of
individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the
most urgent cases of distress."
During a
crisis, human beings need help to stay safe and sustain life, no matter what
their nationality, cultural background or citizenship status.When an emergency happens, the Red Cross is
going to deliver that help to whomever needs it, and as a part of its
humanitarian mission, the American Red Cross will feed, shelter, provide
emotional support and other assistance without regard to race, religion, or
citizenship status.The Red Cross is a
charity, not a government agency and clients who have disaster-caused needs do
not need to be American citizens to access Red Cross Services.
Red
Cross workers will not question clients about their citizenship status, nor
will they request birth certificates, immigration papers, passports, social
security cards, or similar documents that could be interpreted as being used to
identify the nationality or immigration status of persons seeking Red Cross
assistance.Only such documents
necessary to identify the individual or family as living in the
disaster-affected area are required for Red Cross assistance.If federal, state or local authorities make a
request to enter a shelter for the purpose of looking for undocumented shelter
residents, the Red Cross will not grant them permission unless provided with a
subpoena or court order.The Red Cross
may disclose information about shelter residents at the behest of law
enforcement if the disclosure is necessary to avert a threat or protect the
health or safety of shelter occupants, another person or the community.
