OCA Urges the Senate to Champion the HEROES Act

Washington, DC – OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates praised the House of Representatives last Friday for passing the “Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions” (HEROES) Act, a comprehensive bill that would help families and communities weather the COVID-19 crisis, including many of the most vulnerable immigrants. 

Among the many policies contained in the bill are:

• Stimulus checks for immigrant families with Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) instead of Social Security Numbers (SSN), and adult dependents

• Coverage of COVID testing and treatment for immigrants through Emergency Medicaid

• Hate crimes investigation and prevention through the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act

• 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave

While the House has demonstrated its commitment to the American people by passing the HEROES Act, the Senate shows no signs of doing the same. The policies contained in this bill are crucial for the well-being of millions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) immigrants and essential workers. We ask the Senate: what is it doing to fulfil its obligations to the people? Will it take the necessary actions in a timely manner?

We call upon our local chapters and fellow advocates to call their Senators today, and tell them to support the HEROES Act. Additionally, we thank the coalition of organizations that put together the Essential Workers Bill of Rights Day of Action taking place today. It will take a concerted effort from advocates around the country to rally behind these important policies. You can find your state’s Senators by clicking here, or you can call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard to get connected to your Senators using this number: (202) 224-3121.

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OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national civil rights organization dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).