Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued an executive order on April 7 to ensure that Chicago’s illegal immigrants and refugees are able to access the city’s coronavirus relief benefits:
“This order is more than just an official decree, it is a statement of our values as a city and as Americans. Since COVID-19 first reached our city’s doorstep, we have been working around the clock to ensure all our residents are secure and supported, including our immigrant and refugee communities, who are among the most vulnerable to the impact of this pandemic.
Here in Chicago, saying ‘we are all in this together’ means that during this crisis, no one gets left out and no one gets left behind.”
Lightfoot said these steps are necessary because undocumented immigrants do not meet the criteria for Illinois state unemployment insurance or qualify for the stimulus checks the federal government is sending out to every American as part of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill.
Chicago immigration attorney Mario Godoy says undocumented immigrants are part of the Chicago community and deserve support and assistance:
“During this unprecedented global pandemic, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbors – including undocumented members of our community – need support and protection. Their health and economic survival makes Chicago a stronger city for all of us. As Mayor Lightfoot said, We are all in this together.”
Chicago non-citizen residents will be able to:
• receive benefits through Chicago’s Housing Assistance Grant program
• access learning resources through Chicago public schools
• access to the $100 million Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund
Under Lightfoot, Chicago has taken steps to strengthen immigrant protections and in 2019 Chicago was named the most immigrant-friendly city in America.
Relief and unemployment benefits due to COVID-19 do not count against the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) public charge rule.
Godoy Law Office is an established immigration law firm in Chicago and Lombard with experienced immigration attorneys who are ready to help you interpret complicated immigration law as they apply to your case. Contact us online or call today at 855-554-6369.
