NPNA Applauds More Inclusive COVID-relief package, Calls for Biden Administration and Congress to Prioritize Immigration Reform as Next Step in Revitalizing America

WASHINGTON  – Ahead of the expected signing into law of President Joe Biden’s first major legislation today, American Rescue Plan, the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), a leading national coalition of 41 immigrant and refugee rights organizations, congratulates Congress and the administration for getting much-needed relief to millions of individuals and families in dire financial straits. 

The American Rescue Plan represents the most inclusive COVID-relief package yet for immigrant communities who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, but regrettably continues to exclude millions of taxpaying immigrants from relief. While the relief package for the first time makes U.S. citizen children of undocumented parents eligible for stimulus payments, in addition to mixed-status families who were previously excluded, an estimated 9.3 million taxpaying immigrants without Social Security numbers remain excluded from relief despite their contributions to our economy. Future relief packages should include these individuals. 

It is also imperative that the federal government and states work towards ensuring that the other forms of relief reach immigrants and communities of color, who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and are overrepresented as essential workers and those on the frontlines. This relief includes the extension and increase of unemployment benefits, the child tax credit, and funds to states for the vaccine roll out, nutrition programs, and help with paying for rent, utilities, and mortgage payments. 

Moving forward, NPNA urges Congress and the Biden administration to continue their work of revitalizing the nation after four years of federal mismanagement by tackling long overdue immigration reform. By implementing reform that couples legalization of 11 million immigrants with integration measures that will help these individuals to reach their full potential, federal leaders can strengthen America’s recovery from COVID-19 and reestablish our nation as a welcoming land for all.

“With COVID relief set to be signed, the Biden administration and Congress should build on their momentum by turning to immigration reform, which will only make our recovery stronger by allowing immigrant communities to contribute more fully to our society,” said Nicole Melaku, NPNA executive director. “Implementing immigration reform that incorporates legalization with inclusive measures like those found in the New Deal for New Americans Act will set our country on a new path towards prosperity and our timeless ideals of inclusion.”