From health care needs to unemployment benefits and more, we understand that many members of our communities are facing a time of great need and confusion. Here’s a list of resources we’ve pulled together that may help:
Health care
Measures passed by Congress should pay for coronavirus testing for those who meet the qualifications for receiving a test — regardless of undocumented status. However, treatment for the illness is not covered. Those without health care may be able to seek help through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, state-based Medicaid, and community health shelters.
The “public charge” rule will not be triggered in any situation where immigrants and their families need testing or care for Covid-19. (See explainer)
Read more at the National Immigration Law Center.
Clinic Access Directory: Healthcare access for Undocumented Folks in the Time of COVID-19
Help for small businesses, nonprofits, gig workers, freelancers, and the self employed
Read this excellent post by Amanda Kool, which covers the Paycheck Protection Program, small business loans, forgivable loans, and more (also available in Spanish here).
Immigration paperwork and DACA renewals
Though USCIS offices are closed, they’ve waived the requirement for new biometrics in DACA renewals, so immigrant youth CAN renew DACA. See resources in English, Spanish. Also see: COVID-19 USCIS Office Closures Guidance
Cash aid
The $2 trillion stimulus bill Congress passed in March does not include undocumented immigrants in the list of those who may be receiving cash aid. (See Covid-19 stimulus package explainer.) Immigrants may be able to find cash and food assistance from the organizations below. (Many of the links below go to a donation page; please contact the organization directly if you are in need of assistance.)
- The National Day Laborer Organizing Network is collecting funds for immigrant workers who are without work or cannot work without risking their health
- Make the Road New York has a Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund to provide direct support to vulnerable workers and low-income immigrant families.
- Los Angeles area: Va’La Hospitality is collecting and disbursing donations for undocumented workers laid off without recourse
- New York area: RAISE is also collecting a fund for undocumented workers
- New York area: Nail Salon Workers resilience fund
- Washington, DC area: Vendedores Unidos Mutual Aid Unemployment Fund
- Texas area: Sueños Sin Fronteras de Tejas is providing direct support and services to immigrant women and their families
- Restaurant Opportunities Center fund for food workers
- Sex Work 101 project; see more initiatives protecting sex workers here
Many, many other links
Informed Immigrant has a wealth of resources for those looking for information on health care, tax assistance, cash, and much more.
This resource also has a great number of links and resources, especially at the state level.
Other help
- UndocuHealth video: How to make your own hand sanitizer
- Resource Blog: How to Convince Your Parents That COVID-19 is a Big Deal
- Resource Blog: Two Things to Keep Communication with Your Loved Ones During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Resource Blog: How To Talk to Your Loved Ones about COVID-19
- FB Live Conversation on Wellness, How to be Undocumented in the time of COVID-19
- UndocuHealth tip: How to relieve the anxiety of COVID-19
- UndocuHealth tip: How to build up your immune system during COVID-19 (Developed after hearing that many poor communities are running out of traditional medicines in stores)
Did we miss any links?
Do you know about any funds providing assistance to immigrant workers? Let us know here!
