Immigration News Weekly

April 10 - 16

Why California is Giving its Own Stimulus Checks to Undocumented Immigrants
CNN | Madeline Holcombe and Catherine E. Shoichet | April 16
“Undocumented immigrants aren't getting stimulus checks from the federal government, but in California they'll be eligible for cash payments from a $125 million coronavirus disaster relief fund. "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," Gov. Gavin Newsom said as he announced the new fund on Wednesday…The one-time benefit will provide $500 of support per adult, with a cap of $1,000 per household, Newsom's office said. The fund combines $75 million in state donations with $50 million from private philanthropists.”

U.S. Immigration Agency Targets Coronavirus-Related Fraud
Reuters | Ted Hesson | April 16
“Coronavirus fraud is being targeted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under a new operation that has led to the seizure of bogus protective equipment and COVID-19 test kits, and over $3 million in illicit proceeds, the agency said on Wednesday.Operation Stolen Promise was launched as a direct response to a spike in criminal activity since the coronavirus outbreak, ICE said in a statement, noting it will collaborate with the FBI, Internal Revenue Service and other U.S. and international partners. As of Tuesday, ICE’s homeland security investigations unit had seized 225 shipments of fraudulent products, opened over 130 probes nationwide, made nine arrests, executed seven search warrants, and sinkholed over 11,000 COVID-19 domain names, the agency said."

Undocumented Immigrants, Essential to the U.S. Economy, Deserve Federal Help Too
Washington Post | León Krauze | April 14
“The novel coronavirus has been particularly harsh on immigrants. After facing years of harassment and persecution from the Trump administration, the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States have now been left unprotected, unable to receive aid from the government’s historic stimulus package, even though they pay billions of dollars in taxes every year. Local and state officials, especially those in immigrant-friendly states such as California, are scrambling to find a way to help their undocumented communities, but it might not be enough. Without appropriate federal support, prompt access to more effective unemployment benefits or paid sick leave for those in need, many communities could be devastated.”