Undocumented Californians will be eligible for government assistnace during the coronavirus pandemic under a groundbreaking program announced today by Governor Gavin Newsom.
50,000 essential workers who are in the country illegally will get checks from Sacramento. Undocumented workers won’t get a federal stimulus check, they don’t get sick days or unemployment insurance, but Governor Newsom says that 10% of the state workforce is undocumented and many of them are on the front lines of essential jobs during the coronavirus response.
“We feel a deep sense of gratitude for people that are in fear of deportation but are still addressing the essential needs of tens of millions of Californians,” said Newsom, “I’m proud, as Governor, to be the first state to announce a program for direct disaster assistance to those individuals.”
Up to $500 per worker and $1,000 per household, paid for with $75 million in state money and $50 million from philanthropies.
“I’m not here to suggest that $125 million is enough, but I am here to suggest that it’s a good start,” said Newsom, “I’m very proud that it’s starting here in the State of California.”
The state is also expanding the unemployment benefits call center to 12 hours a day and seven days a week to assist the 2.7 million Californians who have lost their jobs during the pandemic.
