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Married to an Undocumented Immigrant? You May Not Get a Stimulus Check. Married to an Undocumented Immigrant? You May Not Get a Stimulus Check.
(3 days later)
They met in a Facebook community for Catholics and connected over their shared love of gospel music. At 56 and 38, they married and settled into a modest life in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, where they could splurge on the occasional day trip across Puget Sound or fried fish at their favorite waterfront restaurant.They met in a Facebook community for Catholics and connected over their shared love of gospel music. At 56 and 38, they married and settled into a modest life in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, where they could splurge on the occasional day trip across Puget Sound or fried fish at their favorite waterfront restaurant.
But like many people in the U.S., Jonny Arenas and his husband have seen their lives turn upside down. Both lost their jobs when the coronavirus pandemic shuttered much of their city, and they were hoping that a bank deposit from the federal stimulus fund to help struggling families would cover their rent and bills.But like many people in the U.S., Jonny Arenas and his husband have seen their lives turn upside down. Both lost their jobs when the coronavirus pandemic shuttered much of their city, and they were hoping that a bank deposit from the federal stimulus fund to help struggling families would cover their rent and bills.
But the money never came, and suddenly it felt as if their relationship was being held against them. Though his husband is a United States citizen who was born and raised in Seattle, Mr. Arenas is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. The relief package negotiated in Congress makes clear that neither one of them is eligible for help because of Mr. Arenas’s legal status.But the money never came, and suddenly it felt as if their relationship was being held against them. Though his husband is a United States citizen who was born and raised in Seattle, Mr. Arenas is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. The relief package negotiated in Congress makes clear that neither one of them is eligible for help because of Mr. Arenas’s legal status.
“If we pay the rent, we don’t have enough money to buy what we need, not even vegetables,” said Mr. Arenas.“If we pay the rent, we don’t have enough money to buy what we need, not even vegetables,” said Mr. Arenas.
A provision in the legislation that created the stimulus fund, which received little attention while it was under debate, prohibits payments to people who file taxes jointly with someone who uses an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a common substitute for a Social Security number used mostly by immigrants without legal status.A provision in the legislation that created the stimulus fund, which received little attention while it was under debate, prohibits payments to people who file taxes jointly with someone who uses an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a common substitute for a Social Security number used mostly by immigrants without legal status.
The result, immigrant advocates say, is that many American citizens who are married to undocumented immigrants will not receive financial support at a time when the country is facing a staggering unemployment crisis.The result, immigrant advocates say, is that many American citizens who are married to undocumented immigrants will not receive financial support at a time when the country is facing a staggering unemployment crisis.
Those families also must forgo the bonus payments that otherwise would be distributed based on the number of children living in their home. As a result, larger households in financial distress may lose out on thousands of federal dollars because of a single undocumented family member.Those families also must forgo the bonus payments that otherwise would be distributed based on the number of children living in their home. As a result, larger households in financial distress may lose out on thousands of federal dollars because of a single undocumented family member.
An estimated 1.2 million American citizens are married to undocumented immigrants. Michael Zona, a spokesman for Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican who as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee helped craft the bill, noted that American citizens who file separately from their undocumented spouses may still be eligible for the credit.An estimated 1.2 million American citizens are married to undocumented immigrants. Michael Zona, a spokesman for Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican who as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee helped craft the bill, noted that American citizens who file separately from their undocumented spouses may still be eligible for the credit.
But immigrant advocates say most mixed-status couples file jointly because doing so is an important part of proving the legitimacy of their marriage, which is necessary for the undocumented spouse to eventually gain legal status.But immigrant advocates say most mixed-status couples file jointly because doing so is an important part of proving the legitimacy of their marriage, which is necessary for the undocumented spouse to eventually gain legal status.
Such is the case for Luz María Ortíz de Pulido, who had for years been saving extra money at the end of the month — often only $10 or $20 at a time — for a rainy day that has now arrived with the coronavirus.Such is the case for Luz María Ortíz de Pulido, who had for years been saving extra money at the end of the month — often only $10 or $20 at a time — for a rainy day that has now arrived with the coronavirus.
Her husband, Valentine Pulido, an American citizen born in California, is now supporting the four children and one grandchild who live with them almost entirely on his own.Her husband, Valentine Pulido, an American citizen born in California, is now supporting the four children and one grandchild who live with them almost entirely on his own.
Money has always been tight in their home in Del Valle, Texas, a suburb of Austin. Ms. Pulido, who is from Mexico, knows never to splurge on unnecessary indulgences like yogurt, or anything but the cheapest off-brand cereals. But since the pandemic eliminated most of her work as a house cleaner, the family’s financial situation has become more precarious.Money has always been tight in their home in Del Valle, Texas, a suburb of Austin. Ms. Pulido, who is from Mexico, knows never to splurge on unnecessary indulgences like yogurt, or anything but the cheapest off-brand cereals. But since the pandemic eliminated most of her work as a house cleaner, the family’s financial situation has become more precarious.
Were it not for the provision, Ms. Pulido’s family would have received about $2,700 to help cover their bills: $1,200 for her husband and a $500 bonus for each dependent child in their household under 16.Were it not for the provision, Ms. Pulido’s family would have received about $2,700 to help cover their bills: $1,200 for her husband and a $500 bonus for each dependent child in their household under 16.
Instead, they had to cancel the insurance on Ms. Pulido’s car and request an extension on their rent for next month. “We needed that money,” she said. “It’s seven people in my house and just me who doesn’t have papers, and we are all punished. It’s hard.”Instead, they had to cancel the insurance on Ms. Pulido’s car and request an extension on their rent for next month. “We needed that money,” she said. “It’s seven people in my house and just me who doesn’t have papers, and we are all punished. It’s hard.”
For many families, the exclusion is particularly painful because it applies only to those undocumented immigrants who pay federal income and Social Security taxes. Americans who are married to immigrants who are paid under the table but do not report their earnings to the federal government are not disqualified from receiving stimulus checks.For many families, the exclusion is particularly painful because it applies only to those undocumented immigrants who pay federal income and Social Security taxes. Americans who are married to immigrants who are paid under the table but do not report their earnings to the federal government are not disqualified from receiving stimulus checks.
At least two federal lawsuits seeking a nationwide injunction blocking the restrictions on stimulus payments were filed last week, in Illinois and New York. The cases argue that denying the funds to U.S. citizens because their spouses lack Social Security numbers violates the constitutional rights to free association, due process and equal protection inherent in the Constitution.At least two federal lawsuits seeking a nationwide injunction blocking the restrictions on stimulus payments were filed last week, in Illinois and New York. The cases argue that denying the funds to U.S. citizens because their spouses lack Social Security numbers violates the constitutional rights to free association, due process and equal protection inherent in the Constitution.
An exception to the rule was made for couples where either spouse served in the military during the previous tax year.An exception to the rule was made for couples where either spouse served in the military during the previous tax year.
Advocacy groups have begun to introduce programs meant to catch immigrant families that are slipping through the financial safety net that is being hastily sewn by Congress.Advocacy groups have begun to introduce programs meant to catch immigrant families that are slipping through the financial safety net that is being hastily sewn by Congress.
The billionaire George Soros pledged $37 million to help vulnerable New Yorkers who cannot access federal help, including undocumented immigrants and their spouses. And United We Dream, an immigrant advocacy group, created a fund that is national in scope.The billionaire George Soros pledged $37 million to help vulnerable New Yorkers who cannot access federal help, including undocumented immigrants and their spouses. And United We Dream, an immigrant advocacy group, created a fund that is national in scope.
Within 10 minutes of making the application available online, the group received 1,300 requests for help from families in 30 different states, according to Bruna Sollod, its communications director. Ms. Sollod said they had to quickly take the application down because so far they have only raised enough money to provide 300 families with $400 in support each.Within 10 minutes of making the application available online, the group received 1,300 requests for help from families in 30 different states, according to Bruna Sollod, its communications director. Ms. Sollod said they had to quickly take the application down because so far they have only raised enough money to provide 300 families with $400 in support each.
Undocumented immigrants were also disqualified from funding allotted in a later stimulus package to cover coronavirus testing and treatment. Immigrant and health advocates argue that the decision by Congress could put all Americans at greater health risk.Undocumented immigrants were also disqualified from funding allotted in a later stimulus package to cover coronavirus testing and treatment. Immigrant and health advocates argue that the decision by Congress could put all Americans at greater health risk.
“For people to have to make decisions about whether or not to work in this environment without the cash assistance and potentially without testing and treatment as well is not only inhumane, but it actually hurts us in being able to address this crisis,” said Manar Waheed, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union. “Congress has to protect everyone in order for us to get a hold on this crisis.”“For people to have to make decisions about whether or not to work in this environment without the cash assistance and potentially without testing and treatment as well is not only inhumane, but it actually hurts us in being able to address this crisis,” said Manar Waheed, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union. “Congress has to protect everyone in order for us to get a hold on this crisis.”
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
For many families of mixed immigration status, being barred from stimulus funds is compounding the financial strain caused by sudden job losses because undocumented immigrants are also not eligible for unemployment insurance.For many families of mixed immigration status, being barred from stimulus funds is compounding the financial strain caused by sudden job losses because undocumented immigrants are also not eligible for unemployment insurance.
Irvi Cruz lost both his jobs in Manhattan restaurants last month, leaving his wife, Rachel McCormick, a teacher in the New York public school system, to support the couple and their two daughters, Sara and Ana, 7 and 5, on her income alone.Irvi Cruz lost both his jobs in Manhattan restaurants last month, leaving his wife, Rachel McCormick, a teacher in the New York public school system, to support the couple and their two daughters, Sara and Ana, 7 and 5, on her income alone.
Mr. Cruz, who grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico, has been paying taxes for nearly 10 years with a taxpayer identification number he obtained around the time he married Ms. McCormick, who is from Pennsylvania. Neither received any stimulus funds.Mr. Cruz, who grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico, has been paying taxes for nearly 10 years with a taxpayer identification number he obtained around the time he married Ms. McCormick, who is from Pennsylvania. Neither received any stimulus funds.
“What more do I have to do to deserve that money?” Ms. McCormick said. “And so why is the government making this decision that my family doesn’t need to survive? Or needs to find another way to survive?”“What more do I have to do to deserve that money?” Ms. McCormick said. “And so why is the government making this decision that my family doesn’t need to survive? Or needs to find another way to survive?”
While their rent payment looms closer, Mr. Arenas and his husband have stopped eating lunch, hoping that limiting themselves to two meals a day will stretch their financial reserves a little further.While their rent payment looms closer, Mr. Arenas and his husband have stopped eating lunch, hoping that limiting themselves to two meals a day will stretch their financial reserves a little further.
They have noticed that their neighbors — mostly American citizens or legal immigrants who work for the city’s many tech companies — seem to be staying inside as much as possible in order to stay safe from the virus.They have noticed that their neighbors — mostly American citizens or legal immigrants who work for the city’s many tech companies — seem to be staying inside as much as possible in order to stay safe from the virus.
But Mr. Arenas has not had that luxury. Now that his work as a house cleaner has dried up, he sanitizes groceries at a local market for two hours a night to bring in extra money.But Mr. Arenas has not had that luxury. Now that his work as a house cleaner has dried up, he sanitizes groceries at a local market for two hours a night to bring in extra money.
The gap between his situation and his neighbors’ seems larger than ever. “We are human beings, we are not different,” Mr. Arenas said. “We work and file taxes every year, and we are vulnerable, too.”The gap between his situation and his neighbors’ seems larger than ever. “We are human beings, we are not different,” Mr. Arenas said. “We work and file taxes every year, and we are vulnerable, too.”