Washington, D.C. – Following its passage in the Senate over the weekend, House Democrats passed the American Rescue Plan yesterday, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that will deliver much-needed relief to millions of working families across the country. The bill includes additional unemployment aid, vaccine distribution funds, direct payments, and state and local government relief. President Biden is expected to sign the bill on Friday.
Greisa Martinez Rosas, Executive Director of United We Dream, said:
“COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate based on immigration status, yet relief policies like the American Rescue Plan continue to exclude undocumented immigrants who have been impacted by the virus at disproportionate rates. While this bill will deliver critical, life-saving aid to millions of working people and families across the country, over 9.3 million immigrants remain cruelly and unnecessarily barred from accessing this aid simply because of their status. Late last year, our movement won relief for millions in mixed-status households who were denied stimulus checks. Still, the American Rescue Plan falls short in delivering for all immigrant communities.
Undocumented immigrants have been crucial to keeping our communities fed, safe, and healthy through COVID-19. Yet, immigration status remains one of the largest barriers to accessing life-saving vaccines. In places like Texas, Florida and Maryland, people have been denied vaccines because of their immigration status and asked to show proof of residency and Social Security cards at vaccination sites. This is unacceptable!
It’s become increasingly clear that in order for Democrats to deliver on meaningful relief for undocumented people, they must pursue every legislative avenue to pass a pathway to citizenship for essential workers, immigrant youth and TPS holders. This includes swiftly passing the Dream & Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and ensuring all 11 million undocumented people are included in the next COVID-19 recovery bill this year. With no Republicans voting in favor of the American Rescue Plan, Democrats must pursue bold strategies if they’re serious about delivering relief to all communities, which includes abolishing the filibuster. Immigrants deserve relief now!”
