California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday the creation of a $125 million Disaster Relief Fund to assist undocumented immigrants in the state who are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“California is the most diverse state in the nation. Our diversity makes us stronger and more resilient,” Newsom announced in a press release. “Every Californian, including our undocumented neighbors and friends, should know that California is here to support them during this crisis. We are all in this together.”
The fund will disburse a one-time payment of $500 per adult to approximately 150,000 undocumented adult Californians to help with specific needs related to the coronavirus outbreak.
Undocumented immigrants in the United States do not qualify for the $1,200 stimulus checks that most Americans are getting. They also do not qualify for expanded unemployment provisions that increase benefits by $600. Both are part of the federal relief efforts passed under the CARES Act.
