California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state is working on legislation that would provide economic relief to illegal immigrants not eligible for assistance under the federal aid package passed by Congress last month.
“Californians care deeply about undocumented residents in this state,” the Democrat said, according to the Associated Press, adding his state is “not just waiting for the federal government to do that for us.”
The federal government is in the process of divvying up nearly $30 billion of the $2 trillion aid package to people across California. Each person earning less than $75,000 a year will receive $1,200, and $2,400 will go to couples earning less than $150,000.
Only citizens who pay taxes and social security are eligible for the funds. Part of the legislation passed by Congress also provides additional financing for state unemployment benefits, another chunk of money unavailable to people living in the country illegally.
With an illegal immigrant population estimated to hover around 2 million, California has been one of the states hardest-hit by the coronavirus, with more than 17,000 confirmed cases and nearly 500 deaths.
Newsom issued a statewide lockdown on March 19, shuttering restaurants, bars, and other nonessential businesses. The measure has led to massive layoffs at companies around the state, putting millions of Californians out of work.
The plan to provide economic relief to illegal immigrants will be unveiled in May, Newsom said.
Some Republicans in California have already spoken out against the measure.
“I see the state of California and its budget as a house of cards, and with this coronavirus-induced recession, I’m just trying to figure out where the money would come from,” said state Sen. John Moorlach. “I would say helping undocumented would be a luxury item.”
