Undocumented Immigrants, Agricultural Workers in Washington to Receive Relief Funds
Undocumented immigrants and agricultural workers in Washington, who lost their income because of the coronavirus pandemic and were passed over for federal assistance, will finally receive relief funds from the state.
Undocumented immigrants and the agricultural workers are just two of the groups heavily impacted by the global pandemic.
When the CARES Act was signed into law, undocumented immigrants did not receive federal aid due to their immigration status. Many agricultural workers did not receive federal aid as well.
On Monday, Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced that he was setting up a $40 million fund for the states' undocumented immigrants and agricultural workers, who were not able to access the federal aid. This is to ensure that they will have the aid they need amid the economic fallout.
It will make Washington one of the states to use government funds to help undocumented immigrants and agricultural workers like California and Oregon.
Undocumented immigrants and agrarian workers played vital roles during the pandemic's wake because of their essential roles. Most of the undocumented immigrants worked as house helpers, grocery store assistant, and farmers.
While most Americans are in their home because of the stay-at-home order, many of them continue to work to ensure that the country's food chain is sustained.
According to a published article on the governor's website, an amount of $3 million will be allocated for Food Protection Paid Leave as a source of financial resources for food production workers, who remain home when getting ill and infected by the virus.
To make sure that this fund will reach the heavily impacted undocumented immigrants, Inslee and his staff are working closely with a coalition representing 430 immigrant rights, social services organizations, and labor advocacy leaders.
"We have to ensure that no one in our state is left behind as we fight this pandemic," Inslee said.
"COVID-19 doesn't care what your immigration status is. We must support every family affected by the virus, especially those who lack the necessary means to quarantine or isolate and prevent further spread," he added.
Inslee further noted that this is the right thing to do for the well-being of individuals, their colleagues' health, and the safety of communities regardless of immigrant status.
The global pandemic has shown a gap between the rich and poor and the legal and illegal immigrants in terms of the benefits they received through the CARES Act.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has already requested to partner with a nonprofit group to administer the Immigrant Relief Fund. The organization will then partner with community groups to manage the awards of $1,000 for every eligible individual. The initial distribution is expected to be made later in the fall.
Rich Stolz, executive director of the immigrant rights group OneAmerica, said: "a coalition of immigrant organizations came together to develop this fund that recognizes the dignity of our undocumented community members and works to get some relief to their families during this difficult time."
Inslee has been very aggressive in supporting the immigrants and refugees in the country throughout his time as the state governor. Now, he is showing his support again to the undocumented immigrants by setting up a fund for them.