New York to offer COVID aid to undocumented immigrants

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — In the largest program of its kind, New York lawmakers have created a $2.1 billion fund to aid workers who lost jobs or income during the coronavirus pandemic but were excluded from other government relief programs because of their immigration status.

The fund, which passed this week as part of the state budget, will give payments of up to $15,600 to workers who were living in the country illegally and weren’t eligible for federal stimulus cheques, unemployment aid, or other benefits.

As many as 300,000 workers might benefit, according to some estimates.

Other states have offered aid to unauthorized workers, but nothing on this scale. California’s relief fund offers cash payments of up to $500.

The creation of New York’s program showed the strength in the state of Democratic Party’s left wing, which has been increasingly emboldened as the state’s leading centrist, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has wrestled with a sexual harassment scandal.

The fund will offer much-needed relief to people like Felipe Idrovo, 52, an immigrant from Ecuador who lives in Queens.

He lost a job working in food distribution in March 2020 and now owes a year’s rent on his small bedroom.

Sponsors of the legislation, including Sen. Jessica Ramos, a Queens Democrat, said the maximum benefit under the fund amounts to $300 per week — less than the average aid received by other unemployed workers.

But the program outraged conservatives, who noted that the Democrats who dominate the Legislature had also raised taxes for the state’s wealthiest residents to record levels.

Supporters of New York’s bill, including Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, said it’s unjust that immigrant workers who pay some taxes can’t collect federal COVID-19 unemployment relief or stimulus checks.

The state still has to craft some regulations and program rules, which will be reviewed by the state attorney general. Cuomo said New York won’t implement the program until that review is complete.

Recipients must have made less than $26,208 in 2020, prove they are New York residents now and before March 27, and show they have suffered loss of earnings because of the pandemic.

To be eligible, they must have worked at least six weeks during the six months before they lost earnings because of the pandemic.

Eligibility documentation might include recent tax returns with a valid taxpayer identification number, pay stubs or employer letters.

Immigrants who can only prove identity and residency can receive $3,200 in payments if they don’t have required work documents.

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