USA: California is giving its own stimulus checks to immigrants
The Governor of California, Gavin Newsome, announces that they are going to offer $500 stimulus checks to undocumented immigrants. How can they apply?
On April 15 the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, announced the creation of a $125 million Disaster Relief Fund to assist undocumented immigrants in the Golden state who are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Newsom said that undocumented immigrants that live and work in California will receive a one-time payment of $500 per adult and $1,000 per household, corresponding to to approximately 150,000 immigrants in California.
“We feel a deep sense of gratitude for people that are in fear of deportation but are still addressing the essential needs of tens of millions of Californians. That’s why I’m proud as governor to be the very first state to announce a program for direct disaster assistance to those individuals.”
The fund combines $75 million in state donations with $50 million from private donations. Newsome is aware that undocumented workers are essential to California and are keeping the state afloat, including health care, agriculture and food, manufacturing and logistics and construction.
“We need to contact organizations that already advocate for these individuals to start distributing the money and help these families,” said Jaquiline Martinez who works for the Latino Community Foundations.
Officials estimate 150,000 undocumented immigrants in the state will benefit from the Disaster Relief Fund and the funds will be dispersed through regional nonprofits who have experience serving undocumented communities. Personal information from undocumented workers will not be required.