New York, NY—Noting the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recession on immigrant communities, the New York Immigration Coalition hosted a briefing covering the State’s vaccine program and the impact of the most recent federal relief package, and the inclusion of mixed-status families for stimulus checks. In a detailed conversation, the panelists broke down the COVID -19 vaccine distribution program and debunked myths and misinformation. Additionally, community advocates provided factual information about who is now eligible for a stimulus check, how newly eligible immigrant New Yorkers can access it, whether the checks impact an immigrant’s risk of being deemed a public charge, and more.
“From Corona, Queens to the farms of the Finger Lakes region, it has been immigrant New Yorkers who have kept the rest of us fed, safe, and healthy,” said Rovika Rajkishun, Interim Co-Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition. “At the same time, our communities have disproportionately borne the brunt of the pandemic and the economic recession. For months, the NYIC has fought hard to address the inequities laid bare by the pandemic. Ensuring that New York’s 4.4 million immigrants have the most accurate information available about the vaccine program and the latest COVID-19 relief package is a vital part of this mission."
“We encourage immigrant New Yorkers to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible,” said Max Hadler, Director of Health Policy, New York Immigration Coalition. “As individuals become eligible, vaccines will be available at no cost regardless of immigration status, insurance coverage, income, or ability to pay. There are no immigration-related consequences to receiving the vaccine, and New Yorkers’ personal information is protected. We call on the State and the City to facilitate and accelerate the vaccination process for the essential immigrant workers who have kept New York running, many of whom are limited English proficient.”
"The COVID crisis has disproportionately impacted South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities across the City," said Annetta Seecharran, Executive Director, Chhaya CDC. "Our community members work heavily in essential services like grocery stores and restaurants, as taxi and rideshare drivers, in salons, and in retail and hospitality. This has made our community more susceptible to both the health and economic shocks of COVID. The second round of stimulus payments will help those struggling to make ends meet, and we encourage all those that are eligible to access this much-needed relief."
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New York State vaccine information is available here and New Yorkers can check when they may be eligible to be vaccinated here (English and Spanish only).
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New York City vaccine information is available in 14 languages here, and locations and 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to check eligibility and schedule an appointment for vaccination (1 for English, 2 for Spanish) scheduling for vaccination are available here. New York City residents can also call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to check eligibility and schedule an appointment for vaccination (1 for English, 2 for Spanish).
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In late December 2020, Congress passed a $900 billion stimulus package, which included relief for mixed-status families.
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Stimulus payments up to $600 per eligible tax filer and family member are already being sent out.
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People who file their taxes as residents with a valid social security number and work authorization are eligible to receive the payments. This means that green card holders, TPS holders, and DACAmented individuals may all be eligible for payments.
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ITIN filers are not eligible
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Anyone claimed as a dependent is not eligible
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Check the status of your payment here.