Congressional Hispanic Caucus Statement on Third Coronavirus Response Bill and Its Impact on Latino and Immigrant Communities
WASHINGTON— Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) issued the following statement on theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act also known as the "CARES" Act, which marks the third coronavirus response bill passed by the Senate:
"Several days ago, Senate Republicans tried to force through a bill that prioritized corporations over America's workers. Thanks to the efforts of our Democratic leadership, the bill passed by the Senate last night includes a number of measures that put working families first. I am hopeful that the House of Representatives can swiftly pass this bill to get families the help they need right now.
"According to a recent study, just 16% of working Latinos in this country are able to work from home. That means that many have lost their jobs and income, or are risking their health through this crisis. These families need help now, and the CARES Act includes many provisions that will provide immediate relief to our Latino communities. First and foremost, this bill will provide working families with $1,200 per parent and an additional $500 for every child in their household. It will also increase and extend unemployment assistance, and make part-time, self-employed, and gig-economy workers eligible for these benefits. The bill provides relief to small businesses, supports child care centers, and suspends student loan payments, so that Latino entrepreneurs and workers don't lose everything because of this public health crisis. Finally, this bill will provide the resources and emergency aid that hospitals and public health programs desperately need to help keep Americans safe and healthy.
"While this legislation does include some provisions that can help immigrant communities - including increased funding for food assistance and health programs - we need to do much more to provide adequate health care and financial support to millions of immigrant and mixed-status families during this public health and economic crisis. COVID-19 does not differentiate between citizens and immigrants, just as it doesn't differentiate between the wealthy and poor. Although we were able to keep out additional funding for ICE and CBP and secured restrictions to stop the Administration from diverting homeland security and defense funds to President Trump's anti-immigrant agenda and border wall, this bill leaves much more work to do in future stimulus legislation. As of now, some immigrant workers, who pay taxes and immeasurably contribute to our economy, are being left out of federal aid. Furthermore, many immigrant and mixed-status families will not benefit from the health care and fiscal assistance provided under this bill.
"We will have more opportunities to follow through on measures that our immigrant communities need in future aid packages. Our federal government must recognize their contributions and ensure they make it through this crisis. What we do now could define wealth and health disparities as well as poverty in communities of color for the next generation. We have more work to do – our nation will be stronger in recovery if we refuse to leave anyone behind now."
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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.