Rep. Chu Leads Call to Ensure Immigrant Families Can Access Critical Services During Pandemic

In a letter to congressional leaders, Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) called for an inclusive Coronavirus relief package that ensures testing, medical care and relief benefits are accessible by all communities, regardless of limited English proficiency or immigration status.

“COVID-19 has caused one of the greatest public health and economic crises our Nation has ever faced, and it requires a whole-of-society approach,” the letter reads. “A response that leaves out immigrants—many of whom are on the front lines in our fight against COVID-19—will be ineffective and detrimental to our efforts to stop this pandemic.”

The letter highlights the immigrant workers who are on the front lines of the coronavirus response as health care workers, farmworkers, grocery store workers, and other essential service providers.

The letter is addressed to majority leader Mitch McConnell, minority leader Chuck Schumer, speaker Nancy Pelosi, and minority leader Kevin McCarthy.

“As Congress responds to the critical needs of our country during the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you to ensure that the vital protections and economic lifelines provided in coronavirus relief legislation are accessible to all communities, regardless of immigration status or limited English proficiency,” the letter reads. “COVID-19 has caused one of the greatest public health and economic crises our Nation has ever faced, and it requires a whole-of-society approach. A response that leaves out immigrants—many of whom are on the front lines in our fight against COVID-19—will be ineffective and detrimental to our efforts to stop this pandemic.”

Earlier this month, Chu and several others released the Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act, legislation that would provide critical assistance to vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19, regardless of immigration status or English language proficiency. The legislation is supported by more than 70 organizations, including labor unions, civil rights groups, and immigrant rights groups.