New Coronavirus Relief Act Allows Immigrants to Collect Unemployment – Here is How

The COVID-19 pandemic has been personally and financially devastating to a lot of people. Millions have lost jobs, been furloughed, and continue to struggle to find work. Immigrants as a population have struggled particularly hard, as it is not always clear which benefits they qualify for within the United States. Fortunately, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES 2020) will allow immigrants to collect unemployment through July 31. 

Here are the requirements each immigrant much meet to receive the benefits:

1. The individual in question must first be eligible to work, and their work authorization must be valid at the time they file for unemployment benefits. Sadly, undocumented immigrants will not qualify for these benefits. 

2. The individual in question must live full time in the United States. This is referred to as “permanently residing under color of law” (PRUCOL). Anyone who splits their time between the US and another country will not qualify.

3. The individual in question must have the proper identification and documentation. This means that each applicant will need an employment authorization document, a social security number, and an alien number (A-number).

4. The individual in question must be in one fo the following categories:

1. Lawful and permanent resident
2. DACA (deferred action for childhood arrivals) with valid work permits
3. TPS (temporary protected status) with valid work permits
4. H-4 visa holders with valid work authorizations
5. U & T visa holders with valid work authorizations
6. TN visa holders
7. Asylees and refugees with valid work authorizations

If you or a loved one fall into one of those groups and are struggling with employment, you need to file for unemployment benefits. The funds will not be available forever, so it is something you need to start collecting now to protect your self-interests. If you need help understanding your qualification status or receiving the benefits, you are entitled to, call our law firm in Glendale for help and support. 

David Yeremian is our firm’s founder and has been practicing for nearly two decades. Yeremian and his team are here to support you and your loved ones during this challenging time.