Seven States and Cities Giving Coronavirus Relief to Illegal Aliens
(as of June 2020)
As COVID-19 hammered the economy and public health system, the U.S. government sought to mitigate the damage in several ways. In addition to closing all borders to nonessential travelers, Congress passed and President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided unemployment relief, including distributing relief checks, to eligible Americans and qualified legal immigrants with Social Security Numbers.
Mass immigration advocates and special interest groups subsequently demanded that stimulus checks also be sent to illegal aliens in spite of polls showing that almost 70 percent of Americans want to prioritize the pressing needs of U.S. citizens.
Undeterred by the exclusion of illegal aliens in the CARES Act, special interests lobbied state and municipal officials to create funds or appropriate limited taxpayer dollars to provide services for unauthorized foreign nationals. Perhaps recognizing the unpopularity of their proposals, these groups focused on pro-sanctuary states and localities that would likely bend to their demands.
Keep reading below to see if your state or city is giving illegal aliens coronavirus relief:
STATES
CALIFORNIA
On April 15, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced plans to spend $75 million in state funds to assist 150,000 of the state’s estimated 2 million illegal aliens.
Another $50 million in private monies would facilitate the doling out of a one-time cash benefit of $500, with a cap of $1,000 per household.
On April 22, the Center for American Liberty and the Dhillon Law Group filed an emergency petition for a writ of mandate with the California Supreme Court seeking to block the $75 million appropriation.
CONNECTICUT
On June 3, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced the state would participate in a public-private partnership to provide services to illegal aliens, including $2.5 million in state rental assistance funds.
Lamont and “immigrant” activists groups called the fund just a starting point.
According to the U. S. Department of Labor, Connecticut has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, at 18 percent.
OREGON
In April, the Oregon legislature appropriated $10 million to start the Oregon Worker Relief Fund, which gives cash assistance to illegal aliens.
The Oregon Center for Public Policy estimates there are 74,000 illegal alien workers in Oregon.
Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced the state will spend $30 million on farmworkers, including $10 million for housing.
WASHINGTON
The state’s Department of Social and Health Services will allow coronavirus relief funding to go to illegal aliens.
Individuals who are not eligible for other programs can apply for and receive a one-time payment between $383 and $1,121.
Some 435 organizations and “immigrant rights” leaders have asked Gov. Jay Inslee to create a $100 million Washington Worker Relief Fund for illegal aliens.
CITIES
AUSTIN, TEXAS
In Texas’ capital city, the City Council approved a $15 million relief fund to aid residents, including illegal aliens, affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonprofits will decide who qualifies for the money, but council members recommended giving it to illegal aliens not covered by the CARES Act.
Since the money will come out of the city’s reserve funds, it is possible Austin could be reimbursed in part by the federal government.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
In early April, Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) signed an executive order allowing illegal aliens to receive the city-funded coronavirus relief benefits.
The order allows illegal aliens to access $1,000 grants from the Chicago’s Housing Assistance Grant program, as well $100 million from the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund.
The order does not change city policy, so the City Council’s Hispanic Caucus is demanding a separate fund be created.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
In early April, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) announced an assistance program to help cover rent and utility payments for low-income families and small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including illegal aliens.
The funding package includes $2 million for emergency housing assistance to those who meet income eligibility requirements.
In “extraordinary circumstances,” households may receive $2,000.
