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
How To Attain 'Peak Mind'
Living in 2021 brings a lot of distractions from mindlessly scrolling down your timeline for hours, to stretching yourself thin by multi-tasking daily. How do we find the ability to train our brains to focus on being present in the moment? Author, Dr. Amishi Jha joined Cheddar to discuss her new book “Peak Mind,” that tackles these issues.
Disney+ Day Celebration Offers $2 Introductory Subscription
Two years after its launch, Disney's streaming service is celebrating Disney+ Day by offering new and eligible returning customers a reduced subscription price of $2 for one month. The regular $7.99 monthly fee will kick in at the end of the promotion.
Aida Rodriguez Releases New HBO Max Special 'Fighting Words'
Comedian Aida Rodriguez is baring it all in her new stand-up comedy special on HBO Max. 'Fighting Words' was filmed in the Bronx and touches on topics from race to family. In the end, viewers will get a glimpse into Aida's personal life as she travels to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to connect and celebrate her heritage. Aida Rodriguez joins Cheddar News to talk about the new special.
'Thirteen Lune' Announces $3 Million Funding Round Led by Fearless Fund
One e-commerce company is putting diverse beauty brands first. 'thirteen lune' was launched last year and carries 100 brands, 90% percent of which are founded by Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC). The company has grown tremendously within the past year and just landed a $3 million funding round led by Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm created by women of color, for women of color. Nyakio Grieco, co-founder of thirteen lune joins Cheddar News to talk about the new funding.
Upgrading Your Entire Home for Under $100; A Better Way to Furnish Your Home
On this episode of 'Your Future Home', David Kaufman, Global Digital Director of Architectural Digest, breaks down ways to refresh your home this winter without breaking the bank.; Michael Barlow, co-founder and CEO of Fernish, discusses how Fernish is making it effortless to create your perfect home. Cheddar breaks down how to successfully research your next potential neighborhood.
Load More