TANGIBLE SUPPORT FOR UNDOCUMENTED COMMUNITIES DURING COVID-19

Updated 4/16/2021

Immigrants Rising is committed to serving undocumented communities during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We recently updated this list of resources to help undocumented immigrants navigate the crisis. However, this is NOT an exhaustive list. Please contact us if there are resources that are no longer valid within this document.

Informed Immigrant promotes resources for the immigrant community during COVID 19

Inmigrante Informado provee recursos para la comunidad inmigrantes durante COVID-19

Addressing Health Access & Wellness        2

Health Access        2

Wellness        2

Relief Funds        2

Legal Rights and Supports for Workers        3

General        3

Workers with DACA & TPS        3

Supporting Businesses & Freelancers        3

Other Resources for Immigrant Communities        4

General        4

Technology        4

ABOUT US        5

  1. Addressing Health Access & Wellness

Health Access

  • USCIS has confirmed that the Public Charge rule does not restrict access to testing, screening, or treatment of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Some undocumented individuals are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. Currently, Medi-Cal covers testing at no cost.
  1. Senate Bill 75 offers full-scope Medi-Cal to undocumented children up to 19 years of age.
  2. New legislation has expanded full-scope Medi-Cal benefits to young undocumented adults under age 26.
  3. Individuals with DACA status will continue to be eligible for state-funded, full scope Medi Cal.
  4. Undocumented people are also qualified for Emergency Medi-Cal.

Wellness

  1. Relief Funds

These resources have been verified as still accepting applications as of the date listed above. Please contact the organizations directly if you have any specific questions about availability.

  1. Legal Rights and Supports for Workers

General

Workers with DACA & TPS

  • Check out the factsheet on worker's rights and unemployment benefits, created by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA).
  • To find out about unemployment benefits in your state, use the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Unemployment Benefits Finder to determine eligibility and how to apply.
  • The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is encouraging individuals with DACA and other employment authorizations to apply for unemployment benefits (English and Spanish). Workers don't have to be sick to qualify. Individuals who were laid off or had hours reduced due to coronavirus restrictions can also apply.
  • Michigan Immigrant Rights Center has information about DACA and Michigan Unemployment Insurance in English and Spanish.
  • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights created an infographic about DACA and unemployment insurance in Illinois.

  1. Supporting Businesses & Freelancers

  • Stay informed about the ways small businesses and freelancers can survive the impact of COVID-19:
  1. Small Business Majority
  2. COVID-19 and Freelancer Resources
  3. CAMEO
  • Low-interest business loans ranging from $2,600 to $250,000 are available through Opportunity Fund.
  • Mission Asset Fund offers 0% interest for credit-building loans (up to $2,400) and loans to start or expand a business (up to $2,500) for immigrants nationally.
  • Find loans or local business assistance on Venturize.
  • The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID California Relief Grant for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Grants ranging between $5,000 to $25,000 will be provided to underserved micro- and small businesses, regardless of immigration status, throughout the state by early 2021. Nonprofit organizations are eligible for these grants. Round 5 applications are open March 25-31, apply here.
  • On Thursday, March 25, the Paycheck Extension Act of 2021 passed the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan deal extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for two months from the current March 31 deadline. This extension comes at a vital time for small businesses and ensures that small businesses will have longer access to the allocated funds. Learn more here.

  1. Other Resources for Immigrant Communities

General

  • Protecting Immigrant Families created a table of federal public programs available to support individuals and families including their eligibility requirements.
  • Informed Immigrant guide includes financial assistance, food distribution, physical and mental health resources, testing locations and more. Available in English and Spanish.
  • Check out the Multilingual list (AANHPI) of resources for ALL immigrants by Asian and Pacific Islander Health Forum.
  • One-stop resource for the people of California impacted by job loss during the COVID-19.
  • The Rhizome Center for Migrants lists resources and services for members of the deported community, Mexican or other, who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Available in English and Spanish.
  • If you have family members who are citizens, you may be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Available in English or Spanish.

Technology

  • Internet assistance for low-income families is available. Check out this resource for eligibility requirements to get a discount on your household’s internet or phone bill.
  • Free computers are available for low income students through The On It Foundation and Computers with Causes.

We would like to thank the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance (CIYJA) and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration for their groundbreaking work in providing resources for immigrant communities.

ABOUT US

Immigrants Rising helps you make decisions based on your potential, not your perceived limits. Visit our website so you can see what’s possible: immigrantsrising.org. For inquiries regarding this resource, please contact Nancy Jodaitis at nancy@immigrantsrising.org.