Letter to the Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader, the Hon. Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader, and the Hon. Charles Schumer, Senate Minority Leader - Meng Seeks Coronavirus Assistance Funds for Immigrants

Letter

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Majority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader Schumer:

As you continue negotiations on the next COVID-19 stimulus package, we urge you to prioritize vital economic relief assistance in the form of economic impact payments to all tax-paying individuals, including immigrants who file taxes with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).

In late March, Congress passed the CARES Act that provided a one-time economic stimulus payment to U.S. citizens, U.S. residents, and those with social security numbers. This payment was helpful in alleviating many struggles and challenges families experienced due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, those with ITIN were excluded and did not receive assistance when they should have. The House-passed Heroes Act included this provision and it is imperative that the next coronavirus relief bill also include ITIN filers as eligible to receive an economic impact payment.

As you know, COVID-19 does not distinguish one's immigration status. As such, vital protections and relief assistance should be accessible to all communities, regardless of immigration status. As we address the economic impact of this pandemic, we must keep in mind that immigrants make up a disproportionate number of essential workers who risk their own lives to save lives, keep our cities running, and ensure Americans have access to food. We strongly urge you to ensure that immigrant workers and taxpayers have access to economic impact payments in the upcoming COVID-19 stimulus package.