COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund

COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund

The COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund (CIRF) is a grassroots fundraising effort to support individuals and families who do not otherwise qualify for federal emergency assistance because of their immigration status.

On March 27, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The $2 trillion stimulus package, while a step in the right direction for millions, failed to deliver any help for countless immigrants across the country. Specifically, only those with a valid Social Security number and a Legal Permanent Resident Card (a/k/a Green Card) or who are resident aliens will qualify under the CARES Act. Significantly, even U.S. citizens or Green Card holders who have a spouse or child without a valid Social Security number are disqualified from receiving any financial assistance.     

Irrespective of our sometimes-differing political beliefs, America’s time-honored tradition is to answer the call of duty and compassion and help the marginalized and forgotten. In the words of the late, great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “The ultimate measure of a man [or woman] is not where he [or she] stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he [or she] stands at times of challenge and controversy.” As such, during these most difficult and uncertain times, fraught with “challenge and controversy,” let us not forget those who need urgent help.

Seemingly insurmountable difficulties and obstacles are an opportunity for our Light to shine through. Not all heroes wear capes, as many of those who are working on the frontlines of the global pandemic at our local hospitals, clinics and labs are immigrants who, while fighting the Good Fight, are left to fend for themselves because of their immigration status. Immigrants working at local restaurants, grocery stores and businesses of all kinds have been acutely impacted by the COVID-19 virus as well and yet cannot receive any help because of their status in the U.S.

THE CHALLENGE IS STEEP; THE OPPORTUNITY GREAT; THE CALLING CLEAR.

THE WHAT

To raise $25,000—although we would love to raise as much funds as possible with your help!

THE WHO

To identify 25 individuals and/or families, i.e. international students, undocumented immigrants and/or mixed-status family units negatively impacted by the CARES Act, each of whom will receive a one-time grant of $1,000.

THE HOW

To collaborate with reputable local and national immigration advocacy groups and organizations to help identify qualified recipients. Applicants will be asked to file a one-page electronic registration form and provide evidence in support of their claim. 

THE WHEN

To grant recipients the funds by April 30, 2020—barring any emergent circumstances presented by COVID-19.

THE OBVIOUS

Fund Organizers shall employ best, good-faith efforts to uphold the integrity and charitable nature of this GoFundMe campaign.
 
Note: Should the number of applicants exceed the funds raised—or vice versa—the Fund Organizers will commence a need-based review of each applicant’s submission in order to achieve an equitable outcome.


THANK YOU!