COVID-19

Vaccines

Many undocumented folks are worried about taking the COVID-19 vaccine because of the fear that medical and personal information will be shared across federal departments, mainly with ICE, resulting in deportation. Iván Espinoza-Madrigal of Lawyers for Civil Rights spoke with WGBH News about this issue and stated “We have been advising individuals and families that they absolutely must make themselves available for testing and vaccination and that these activities will not trigger immigration consequences.” The news article goes on to state that it is “illegal for medical officials to share information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement” although the fear remains.

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If you or your family are worried about receiving the vaccine when it becomes available to you, reach out to MIRA Coalition for more resources and to obtain clarification on the process. Summer Search always advocates for you to make the decision that is best for you and your family.

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Medical Assistance

Massachusetts is providing resources to pay for COVID-19 testing and treatment for low-income residents, regardless of documentation status and health insurance status. Resources include, but are not limited to, MassHealth Limited which will cover the costs of testing and treatment for COVID-19 and the Commonwealth’s Health Safety Net program which will pay for testing and treatment for COVID-19 provided by hospitals and community health centers.

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Stimulus Checks

Last month, a new COVID-19 stimulus package was signed into law, including a $600 check for qualifying households. Unlike the CARES ACT signed last March, this recent package allows mixed-status households with undocumented family members to receive a stimulus check. US citizens or permanent residents who filed a joint tax return with an undocumented partner, they will receive a check worth $600 with an additional $600 per dependent child (under 17 years old), depending on their annual income. The new stimulus package also allows people to claim unreceived stimulus checks when they file their taxes this spring. The change in stimulus check eligibility is retroactive meaning families can also claim the $1,200 checks not received during the first round of stimulus checks when they were initially ineligible.

To clarify: Undocumented folks who don't have Social Security numbers remain ineligible for the new set of stimulus checks.

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