Superstorm Sandy: New York immigrants face deplorable conditions over deportation

NEW YORK (AP) -- Superstorm Sandy has plunged many immigrants living illegally in the United States into darkness, and even deeper into the shadows.

Some who need help getting temporary housing and food are afraid to come forward because they risk deportation. Many have returned to damaged, powerless, moldy homes because they have no other place to stay.

Mexican immigrant Miguel Alarcon Morales says the smell of humidity and seawater has worsened his toddler's son asthma and he is becoming ill, too.

Because his children were born in the U.S., he can apply for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Others who can't are turning to nonprofits and the Mexican consulate.

Advocates are stepping up their efforts to get help to immigrants in hard-hit areas, in some cases going to door to door.