Newsom Eyes Coronavirus Aid for Immigrants

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is considering an economic stimulus package for illegal immigrants and others in his state that are excluded from the federal stimulus.

About 14 million California households will receive funding from the federal stimulus package. However, those living in California using an individual Taxpayer Identification Number — which includes many of the state’s illegal immigrants — will not be covered under federal funding.

Now, the California Latino Legislative Caucus is asking Newsom to consider implementing a “Disaster Relief Fund” which would provide direct cash payments to roughly 2 million undocumented immigrants living and working in California.

If the fund is created, payments would continue until workers are allowed to return to work or California’s emergency declaration is lifted.

According to the Associated Press, Newsom noted on Tuesday that “all of that is being considered.” Relief funding could be included as part of another package set to be unveiled in May.

The California governor also confirmed there will be “some economic stimulus strategies at a state level.”

“Californians care deeply about undocumented residents in this state.”

The governor also noted that the state is “not just waiting for the federal government to do that for us.”