SPLC Action Fund Statement on Exclusion of Immigrants and Low-wage Workers From the Coronavirus Stimulus Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The SPLC Action Fund issued the following statement today about the exclusion of immigrants and low-wage workers from the federal government’s plans for a $2 trillion economic stimulus package in response to the financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The statement is by Meredith Stewart, senior supervising attorney with the SPLC Action Fund’s Immigrant Justice Project. 
 
“Now, more than ever, it is clear how crucial the contributions made by immigrant and low-wage workers are to our country. Immigrants and low-wage workers are woven into the fabric of this economy, yet the current proposed stimulus completely disregards this fact by failing to include them in the proposed relief package.
 
“As members of Congress debate and pontificate, these workers are literally on the front lines – stocking groceries, cleaning our hospitals, providing care for our most vulnerable – all the while exposing themselves and their families to the coronavirus. 
 
“This stimulus must NOT move forward until there are adequate safeguards for their health and well-being. At the least, testing and treatment must be made available to all – regardless of immigration status. Additionally, any economic stimulus must include meaningful elements to provide for these workers.
 
“This illness doesn’t discriminate; neither should we.”