The more than 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States are being hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic as that population deals with the fears of being deported and economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. 

According to a recent survey by the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights in California, undocumented immigrants and their relatives are more worried about the economic toll of the coronavirus than actually becoming infected. Among those surveyed, 95 percent were worried about paying bills while 89 percent of the population was more concerned about losing work.

Andrea Flores, the deputy director of policy for the Equality Division of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the virus is weighing on the immigrant population. 

"This is preventing immigrant families from being able to support themselves and to take care of their families in terms of accessing care and buying groceries," said Flores. "They won't have access to the same safety net benefits that Congress may be putting forth for citizens." 

While President Trump has said undocumented immigrants should be able to get tested without the threat of being arrested or deported, many immigrants are still living in fear of ICE. Currently, the ACLU's position is that ICE enforcement that could deter people from seeking care should be suspended . The ACLU agrees that the last thing ICE should be doing during a 'stay at home' order is making immigrants feel scared to access healthcare or be afraid to go to the grocery store. 

"Immigration status doesn't matter at a time like this," said Flores. "This public health crisis impacts everybody and it's important for your neighbors to be tested."

Share:
More In Culture
Chloe X Halle Talk Music and Upcoming LG Gaming Battle
Chloe and Halle Bailey are no strangers to hard work. The sisters got their start performing covers on YouTube and have become a force in the music industry. Since then, the two have spread their wings beyond their duo group to individual projects. Now they're coming together to face off in the LG OLED Ultimate Gaming Showdown. Chloe and Halle join Cheddar News to discuss.
Actor Nichole Galicia Talks New Paramount+ Show '1883'
The highly anticipated prequel to the Paramount+ drama 'Yellowstone' premieres on the streaming site this Sunday. '1883' tracks the Dutton family's migration from Texas to Montana as they endure the hardships of the Oregon Trail. Actor Nichole Galicia joins Cheddar News to talk about working on the show and her non-profit 'The Orchid Foundation.'
Tips for Last-Minute Holiday Decorating
Mélanie Berliet, General Manager of The Spruce, joins Your Future Home to discuss ways to spruce up holiday decor as we inch closer to Christmas, and how to open up more space in communal areas to host your holiday party.
J&J Vaccine, Build Back Later & Love, Hate, Ate
Carlo and Baker wrap up another week discussing the latest explosion in new Covid cases in the Northeast, President Biden's stalled agenda and more. Plus, Love, Hate, Ate featuring the question: why did movie dialogue get so hard to understand?
Netflix Releases Coming-of-Age Reality Show 'Twentysomethings: Austin'
Move over 'The Real World,' there's a new reality show in town and fans can't get enough. Netflix's new reality show 'Twentysomethings: Austin' follows eight strangers become roommates. Stars Natalie Gable and Keauno Perez join Cheddar News to talk about their experience on the show.
Load More