Washington, DC-Today, the House passed a $484 billion deal that failed, once again, to assist (via direct cash rebates or small business loans) to the millions of undocumented immigrants on the front lines of this pandemic and struggling to survive. The majority of the federal money will replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, which has come under criticism for allowing large chains like Ruth's Chris Steak House to gobble up federal loans. In contrast, small banks and nonprofits have struggled to secure relief. The legislation is Congress’ fourth coronavirus-related bill passed in two months, and yet one more that has left out our immigrant communities.
In response to the bill’s passage, Steve Choi, the Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, issued the following statement:
“Senate Minority Leader Schumer and our elected leaders in DC have failed immigrant New Yorkers for the fourth time. The $484 billion in relief won’t reach those hardest hit by the pandemic—immigrant New Yorkers working on the front lines in health care, home care, food production, and agriculture; small business owners, delivery professionals, and more. These essential workers are caring for our loved ones, healing the sick, and making sure we have food in our homes. At a time when Washington should be working to ensure that everyone enjoys full and equal opportunity to recover from the threat of the virus and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, our leaders have chosen to turn their backs on all New Yorkers by handicapping our economic recovery and our health as a nation.”