Washington’s COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund began taking applications Wednesday for requests from some workers who don’t qualify for other federal stimulus programs.
Using $40 million in federal funds sent to the state, the relief fund will make payments of $1,000 per worker, up to $3,000 per household, available to those who miss work because of COVID-19 but are not able to receive other federal aid because of their immigration status.
“Immigrant workers are critical to communities throughout the state and are the backbone of our economy,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a news release announcing the fund, set up with the help of a coalition of immigrant rights and social service organizations.
“As Americans, we know that no one should be left behind during a disaster; as Washingtonians, we are ensuring that our deserving communities have access to the COVID-19 relief tools to keep their families and neighbors healthy,” said Monserrat Padilla, director of the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network.
