With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
Mis Ángeles: Some Answers To Questions Undocumented Angelenos Are Asking
Jessica Huerta has been fielding questions related to COVID-19 from undocumented Angelenos via livestream. (Photo courtesy of CHIRLA/ Illustration by Chava Sanchez)
()
Jessica Huerta is community education coordinator for the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights Los Angeles or CHIRLA, which serves primarily Latino immigrants in L.A.
"Most of our essential workers are our people, so while COVID-19 is not discriminatory, Latinos are exposed in greater numbers than others."
"If I get a COVID-19 test, will I go on a list?"
Testing is available for all L.A. County residents who have symptoms. There is no question about legal status.
Support for LAist comes from
"Even if I get a positive test, how will I pay for the treatment?"
Through L.A. CARE, Los Angeles County is covering testing and treatment for coronavirus.
"Will getting aid penalize my application for a change in immigration status under the public charge rule?"
For any health-related aid, no. It will not be used to determine a violation of the public charge rule. For other aid, it depends. You should contact CHIRLA's hotline for specific questions at 888-624-4752
"If I don't pay my rent, can my landlord call ICE?"
It's against the law for a landlord to coerce you. L.A. is currently has some eviction protections if you are impacted by the coronavirus.
"If I get laid off, is my DACA status at risk?"
Support for LAist comes from
Not immediately. DACA is however in danger of ending this summer by court order so make sure you renew your permit as soon as possible. There is no way of knowing exactly what the Supreme Court will decide, but there is hope that if you have a current permit, it will buy you some time.
"Can I collect unemployment if I have DACA?"
If your DACA is up to date, and you have been laid off, you qualify for unemployment.
"Can I get government aid if my partner is undocumented?"
This is another complicated issue that can depend on your specific circumstances.
READ THE COLUMN
MORE FROM ERICK GALINDO:
- How A Downey Food Bank Is Helping Feed Families Who Have No Safety Net
- It Hurts To See Los Angeles This Way
- Living On LA's Margins, There's Not Much Time To Obsess About Coronavirus
- How Carnicerias, Liquor Stores, Tienditas And Latino Supermarkets Are Feeding Their Neighborhoods
- 'I Am Straight Up In Tears Right Now.' Why Kobe Bryant's Death Hurts So Much
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist