It is being reported that Houston chapters are requiring potential beneficiaries of its annual christmas toy drive for children to undergo a background check that would verify the immigration/citizenship status of the children and their families before any gifts will be distributed. I can’t imagine that many people will actually be DENIED a gift for their children if they are found to be needy, and so I feel that this gesture on the part of the Salvation Army Houston is merely a symbolic slap in the face to immigrants, especially minorities. I wonder if this practice will apply universally, or only to those who may “seem” like they could be immigrants (i.e not white)? this seems to be only the latest in a string of very bad publicity coming out of the city of Houston, and they are also continuing to give Texans a bad name nationally and internationally. As far as I know, I don’t recall any administrative requirements of a legal nature that would necessitate excluding anyone from receiving charity. I believe that is why it is called “charity” in the first place. Bad move, Salvation Army. According to the article, this has caught criticism from interest groups and lobbying efforts such as America For All, also based out of Houston.
Mitra
