'We are Together': Mayor of Chicago signs decree to protect immigrants and refugees during a pandemic

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has signed an executive order expressly guaranteeing that all the benefits, features and services provided or managed by the city of Chicago are accessible to all residents, regardless of country of birth or current citizenship status, the official page says. city ​​halls.

Photo: Shutterstock

“This is not just an official decree, it is a statement of our values ​​as a city and as Americans,” Lightfoot said. “Since COVID-19 first reached our city's doorstep, we have worked around the clock to ensure the safety and support of all our residents, including immigrant and refugee communities who are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of this pandemic. Here in Chicago, saying 'we are in this together' means that no one is left behind and no one is left behind during this crisis.”

“Not all Chicago residents are eligible for federal coronavirus relief, state unemployment insurance or other economic assistance due to their status,” said local government spokesman Michael Rodriguez. “These Chicagoans are vital members of the community, working in a variety of industries and helping our great city thrive.” These Chicagoans are our family, colleagues, neighbors and friends. I applaud the Mayor for standing with undocumented individuals and their families to ensure they are eligible for any economic relief offered by the City of Chicago during this global pandemic.”

To solve the problems that the COVID-19 pandemic poses for the city and the immigrant community, programs were implemented in Chicago to help all residents, including:

• an aid grant program has been established that provides support in the event of natural disasters to cover housing costs faced by individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic;
• Online educational resources were offered for all students at all levels so that each student, regardless of immigration status, could continue to receive a full-fledged education;
• a $ 100 million Chicago Small Business Sustainability Fund has been established to provide small businesses with cash flow for disaster relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is available to any entrepreneur, including immigrants.

On the subject: Foreigners, students, wealthy families: who will not receive federal assistance in connection with the coronavirus

“Most people in our immigrant community work in industries affected by the COVID-19 crisis, such as restaurants and hotels. While many of these workers collectively pay billions of dollars in taxes, they are excluded from the federal relief package signed into law by Congress. We must face this moment together; no one is an exception. I thank Mayor Lightfoot for making sure everyone in Chicago has a place to turn for support,” said local government spokesman George Cardenas.

Since taking office, Lightfoot has made a focused effort to protect the immigrant community and, as noted on her official website, is “committed to continuing that support.”

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