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Hispanic Federation: Senate Passes $2T Coronavirus Relief for Small Businesses, Non-profits, Workers, and Health Providers

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Gebe Martinez
703-731-9505
gebe.gmnetworking@gmail.com

Massive measure provides needed aid to offset impact of virus while disproportionately benefitting big corporations, yet fails to give access to virus testing and treatment to all families

WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate approved late Wednesday legislation to stem the crippling health and economic effects of the Coronavirus global pandemic sweeping across the U.S., and now goes to the House with aid for workers and health care systems but without key provisions in a House proposal that would ensure aid for all families, regardless of immigration status.

The following is a statement by Frankie Miranda, President of Hispanic Federation:

“This is a critical first step, but in this national state of emergency, it is vital that Congress pass and the president sign into law measures that provide all people living in this country medical assistance and financial relief from the Coronavirus pandemic. The Senate compromise bill made great strides in providing aid to many workers who have lost their income during the pandemic, to critical health care systems, including those in New York that are in dire need of even more assistance, and to small businesses and nonprofits that are struggling to remain solvent and serve their communities.

"Unfortunately, the bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate falls short in its support for many members of Latino and immigrant communities, as eligibility for many benefits will be determined by immigration status.

"The Coronavirus does not ask for immigration papers. Viruses attack indiscriminately, and it is reckless to refuse critical health care and financial relief to any American, including those who hold temporary permits to live and work in the U.S. or are undocumented, many of whom are on the frontlines of fighting this virus, protecting our economy, and ensuring our food supply. (In 2017, an estimated 27,000 DACA permit holders were health care practitioners, according to Center for American Progress.)

“The Coronavirus is a sober reminder to our nation that we are all in this together, and together, we must ensure that testing and treatment for the virus, food and economic support, and other services are accessible to all people during this crisis.

“While we appreciate the relief proposed for non-profits and many workers who have lost their income during the pandemic, we cannot celebrate the politics of division at play regarding our immigrant families, friends and neighbors. This is a public health crisis – not an ideological difference.

"We expect when the Congress returns to work after their Spring recess, and takes up the next Coronavirus relief bill, the hard-working members of our immigrant communities will finally get the aid that should go to all Americans, regardless of immigration status. They shouldn’t have to wait.”