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Immigrant rights in times of COVID-19

An unprecedented number of people need economic and other support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal and state governments have enacted a number of emergency programs to supplement existing social safety net support. Immigrants need answers to two key questions:

  • Does my immigration status affect my eligibility for help?
  • Will participating affect opportunities for getting a Green Card or other benefits?

This is a quick summary of the principal rights and benefits that immigrants can access – regardless of immigration status.

Constitutional Rights

All persons in the U.S. have protected constitutional rights. Immigration status does not affect these rights:

  • Right to remain silent
  • Right to refuse a search without a warrant
  • Right to an attorney

Everyone should carry a Know your Rights ‘Red Card,’ and know how to use it if they encounter ICE officers.

Emergency Medicaid

  • COVID-19 testing and medical care are covered
  • Immigration status not relevant

Emergency food assistance for children

  • Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program
    • All families with a child enrolled in a reduced price or free school lunch program are eligible
  • Immigration status not relevant

Temporary renters’ protections

  • Emergency decree – temporary protection from eviction for non-payment of rent during April-May-June
  • Immigration status not relevant

Worker protections

  • Unemployment Insurance, PUA (self-employed), economic stimulus payments
    • Must have SSN and work authorization to be eligible
  • Immigration status not relevant, BUT mixed status families are excluded from stimulus payments

U.S. 2020 Census

  • Every person has the right to be counted – for the benefit of the community
  • “All 2020 Census responses are kept confidential and private. It’s the law. Your responses cannot be shared and cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way,” per the Census Bureau.
Community Day 2025
Saturday, October 18th • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
B1C @ Yerwood • 90 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT
We won't have any activities at the Shippan Center.
Only the 1st floor will be open from 9 am to 5 pm.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Yerwood Center!
Best, B1C Team
Día de la Comunidad 2025
Sábado, 18 de octubre • 11:00 a. m. - 3:00 p. m.
B1C en Yerwood • 90 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT
No habrá actividades en el Centro Shippan.
Solo el primer piso estará abierto de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m.

¡Esperamos verlos a todos en el Yerwood Center!
Atentamente, el equipo de B1C
Jounen Kominotè 2025
Samdi 18 Oktòb • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
B1C @ Yerwood • 90 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT
Nou p ap gen okenn aktivite nan Sant Shippan an.
Se sèlman premye etaj la ki pral ouvè soti 9 am pou rive 5 pm.

Nou anvi wè tout moun nan Sant Yerwood la!
Tout pi bon, Ekip B1C

Community Day 2025
Saturday, October 18th • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
B1C @ Yerwood • 90 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT
We won't have any activities at the Shippan Center.
Only the 1st floor will be open from 9 am to 5 pm.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Yerwood Center!
Best, B1C Team
~~~~~~~~~~
Jounen Kominotè 2025
Samdi 18 Oktòb • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
B1C @ Yerwood • 90 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT
Nou p ap gen okenn aktivite nan Sant Shippan an.
Se sèlman premye etaj la ki pral ouvè soti 9 am pou rive 5 pm.

Nou anvi wè tout moun nan Sant Yerwood la!
Tout pi bon, Ekip B1C
~~~~~~~~~~
Día de la Comunidad 2025
Sábado, 18 de octubre • 11:00 a. m. - 3:00 p. m.
B1C en Yerwood • 90 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT
No habrá actividades en el Centro Shippan.
Solo el primer piso estará abierto de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m.

¡Esperamos verlos a todos en el Yerwood Center!
Atentamente, el equipo de B1C

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