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MIGRANT CASH

California giving up to $1,000 to undocumented immigrants as part of $125m stimulus fund package

CALIFORNIA is giving up to $1,000 to undocumented immigrants as part of a $125million stimulus fund.

The fund is to give $500 to eligible people who can not receive federal relief funding – like or unemployment – due to their immigration status.

 Mock-up of a coronavirus stimulus check
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Mock-up of a coronavirus stimulus checkCredit: AP:Associated Press
 California Gov Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference on Monday
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California Gov Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference on MondayCredit: AP:Associated Press
 People drive in a 'Caravan for Essential and Excluded Workers' where they called for financial relief to be given to day laborers, undocumented workers and their families on April 14, 2020
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People drive in a 'Caravan for Essential and Excluded Workers' where they called for financial relief to be given to day laborers, undocumented workers and their families on April 14, 2020Credit: AFP - Getty

The funds, which become available today, are expected to help 150,000 undocumented immigrants facing financial hardship amid the pandemic, according to the state's .

Funds are available to as many as two people per household – or up to $1,000.

The funds will be available until June 30 – or until they run out.

As a state, pledged $75million to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants program, reported.

Private contributions helped raise another $50million for the fund, bringing the total to $125 million.

People can apply for the funds with the help of 12 different nonprofit organizations designated by the CDSS.

The financial aid to immigrants was first announced by Gov Gavin Newsom on April 15.

"California is the most diverse state in the nation. Our diversity makes us stronger and more resilient," Newsom said in a statement.

"Every Californian, including our undocumented neighbors and friends, should know that California is here to support them during this crisis.

 A man holds a sign in the 'Caravan for Essential and Excluded Workers' on April 14, 2020
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A man holds a sign in the 'Caravan for Essential and Excluded Workers' on April 14, 2020Credit: AFP - Getty
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 Los Angeles is pictured amid the coronavirus pandemic
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Los Angeles is pictured amid the coronavirus pandemicCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 People wear masks as they walk around Venice, California on Saturday
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People wear masks as they walk around Venice, California on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"We are all in this together,” Newsom added.

Stimulus checks first rolled out to Americans after a and signed off by in late March.

The package included stimulus checks for millions of Americans.

Several demographics of people were not eligible for stimulus checks, however – including adults that could be claimed as dependents, like some with disabilities and college students.

Checks only went to people with social security numbers – not immigrants with tax ID numbers, as noted by Democratic .

 Workers and volunteers help distribute food in the city of Compton amid the pandemic on Friday
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Workers and volunteers help distribute food in the city of Compton amid the pandemic on FridayCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Medical workers write notes about a patient at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista, California on May 12, 2020
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Medical workers write notes about a patient at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista, California on May 12, 2020Credit: Reuters

"Thanks to GOP, these checks will be cut off the backs of *taxpaying immigrants,* who get nothing," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted when the stimulus package was passed.

"Many are essential workers who pay more taxes than Amazon. Wall St gets $4T".

Stimulus checks gave $1,200 to single taxpayers, $2,400 for married couples and an additional $500 per child.

As direct deposit stimulus money went out to many Americans, for those without a bank account, some for the checks as they're sent out in the mail.

Many are eagerly awaiting their stimulus money, as , and more than amid the pandemic.

As many people are still waiting on their emergency money, there's hope that a second round of stimulus checks will pass.

Late last week, the , which included a second round of checks for Americans.

The new bill would include $1,200 more for individuals, and up to $6,000 per household – but the so-called Heroes Act is expected to get shredded as it heads to the Senate.

Nancy Pelosi unveils coronavirus aid package with stimulus checks of up to $6,000 per house and $200B in ‘hazard pay’
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