We have a new resource with answers to questions about public charge implications for families who are seeking programs during the COVID-19 crisis.
** Highs, Lows, and a New FAQ Document
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Dear Allies,
This past week was full of highs and lows. In today’s newsletter, we are sharing some key takeaways. We also have a new resource with answers to frequently asked questions about public charge implications for families who are seeking public programs during the COVID-19 crisis.
** NEWS FROM LAST WEEK
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Here are a few key updates and takeaways:
* Health Providers Call on Congress to Protect Immigrant Families. On Thursday, frontline medical and mental health providers joined together in a powerful letter to Congress ([link removed]) , highlighting the importance of access to COVID19 testing, treatment, and prevention for everyone regardless of where they were born.
* Several additional states approved for Pandemic-EBT. P-EBT provides households with an EBT card with the value of school breakfast and lunch for the days that schools are closed due to COVID-19. The benefit is available regardless of immigration status, to ALL children who would receive free or reduced-price meals. P-EBT has now been approved in AL, AZ, CA, CT, IL, MA, MI, NC, RI and WI. The Massachusetts state website ([link removed]) includes clarification that “the Public Charge rule does not apply to P-EBT benefits and “using P-EBT benefits does not impact your or your child's immigration status.” Want more information? Check out this helpful fact sheet ([link removed]) from the Food Research Action Center.
* SCOTUS News. On Friday, the Supreme Court rejected requests ([link removed]) by several states to suspend the public charge regulations during the coronavirus pandemic.
* USCIS Reopening. On Friday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced ([link removed]) that they are preparing to reopen their offices starting June 4th, 2020.
** THE WEEK AHEAD
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This week, we are pleased to share a new resource with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we have received about Public Charge and COVID-19. We are also continuing to monitor Congressional negotiations and encourage you to speak up for a relief package that includes support for immigrant families.
* New FAQ resource. The PIF Campaign has developed a new FAQ document ([link removed]) which provides 1) answers to some frequently asked questions about public charge implications for families who are seeking public programs during the COVID-19 crisis and 2) answers to questions about immigrant eligibility for programs under new and existing policies.
* Take Action! This is a great time to connect with your Members of Congress and ask for a COVID relief package that ensures the health and well-being of immigrant families. As we shared last week, the PIF Campaign has developed a Take Action Social Media Toolkit ([link removed]) with sample Twitter and Facebook posts. We encourage you to spread the word and let your friends, family, and colleagues know that they can help #ProtectFamilies by using our tool to ask Congress to deliver an inclusive stimulus bill.
Thank you for your continued partnership!
Madison Allen (CLASP)
Connie Choi & Jenny Rejeske (NILC)
Visit us at [link removed]
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