California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is considering an economic stimulus package for illegal immigrants and others in his state that are excluded from the federal stimulus.
About 14 million California households will receive funding from the federal stimulus package. However, those living in California using an individual Taxpayer Identification Number — which includes many of the state’s illegal immigrants — will not be covered under federal funding.
Now, the California Latino Legislative Caucus is asking Newsom to consider implementing a “Disaster Relief Fund” which would provide direct cash payments to roughly 2 million undocumented immigrants living and working in California.
If the fund is created, payments would continue until workers are allowed to return to work or California’s emergency declaration is lifted.
According to the Associated Press, Newsom noted on Tuesday that “all of that is being considered.” Relief funding could be included as part of another package set to be unveiled in May.
The California governor also confirmed there will be “some economic stimulus strategies at a state level.”
“Californians care deeply about undocumented residents in this state.”
The governor also noted that the state is “not just waiting for the federal government to do that for us.”
However, Newsom has faced opposition for taking illegal immigrants into consideration. Jon Coupal — the president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association — insists California’s taxpayer dollars should be reserved for legal citizens only.
“So what a lot of legal taxpaying citizens of California of all races and creeds and colors are going to ask themselves is: Is it appropriate to spend our tax dollars on those who are not here in a legal status?” Coupal asked.
Coupal — whose organization advocates for lower taxes — is urging the state to prioritize spending due to the staggering revenue decline amid the coronavirus outbreak.
While Coupal has agreed illegal immigrants are in need of assistance, he believes they could be better accommodated through charities and other non-profit organizations.