New Partner Research Now Available!

Dear Allies,

This week, we are sharing two new research reports from the Migration Policy Institute and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Keep reading for more information on those reports, new community resources from ILRC, and an exciting webinar from UnidosUS!

Join UnidosUS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CVS Health, UnidosUS Affiliates Esperanza Health Centers, and Conexión Américas in this webinar as each organization discusses their community engagement strategies to reach the communities they serve with accurate COVID-19 information and how to access local vaccines.

Our partners at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center have published two great resources designed to help people from a range of different audiences understand the public charge rule. These resources are also available in Spanish.

• Community Handout on Public Charge: Written for youth and families with questions about the “public charge” rule, this resource provides an overview of public charge and answers common questions about its application. 

• Public Charge Safe to Use List: This resource provides a list of some of the most common public benefits programs that do not count for public charge. Whether or not public charge applies to you and no matter your immigration status, the programs on this list are safe to use.

Analysts and researchers at the Migration Policy Institute recently published a new commentary report titled “A Solvable Challenge: Improving Asylee Access to Health and Other Benefits”. The report highlights the barriers that prevent asylum seekers from accessing public benefits and services, as well as outlines the different ways that federal agencies can significantly improve access to benefits and services for asylees without creating and passing new legislation. 

Last week, the Kaiser Family Foundation published a new report that shares new research on how AAPI immigrant communities have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, including rising numbers of anti-Asian violence and increased fears in accessing health programs and benefits. Here are some of the report’s top findings: 

• One in three (33%) respondents report that they have personally felt more discrimination based on their racial/ethnic background since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S.

• Many respondents have immigration-related fears, and most say they don’t have enough information about how recent immigration policy changes affect their family.

• Asian health center respondents report negative health and financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Nearly six in ten (58%) respondents say they have worried at some point that they have been exposed to coronavirus.

• Roll Call – On persistent challenges to vaccinating immigrant families, including immigration concerns.
• KDRV-TV  – Oregon House passes “sanctuary state” bill, with sponsors saying it’s intended to rebuild relationships with immigrant families damaged by public charge and other Trump policies.
• Colorado Public Radio – On how recently-enacted safety net expansions may mitigate the harm facing immigrant communities during future economic downturns.

In Solidarity,

Eddie Carmona & Renato Rocha, on behalf of the PIF Team

Visit us at https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/