Los Angeles County Establishing Financial Aid for Immigrants Affected by Immigration Enforcement sweeps
Los Angeles County is taking steps to support families financially impacted by the ongoing federal immigration raids. Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that the city will provide cash assistance to affected individuals, primarily using cash cards with a couple of hundred dollars each. The funds are not sourced from city coffers but from philanthropic partners.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has also voted to create a cash fund for families financially affected by the raids. The details of the fund, such as eligibility and the amount a family could expect to collect, are currently unclear. Supervisor Hilda Solis, who spearheaded the fund, stated that the county stands with immigrant communities and will continue to fight to ensure that every resident, regardless of immigration status, has the necessary support.
The federal agents conducting the immigration raids often wear plainclothes, shielding their identities with sunglasses and masks. This has caused fear among residents across the region, with immigration agents arresting people in various locations like swap meets, car washes, parking lots, and street corners. Many residents are scared to go to work due to the risk of arrest and deportation.
In addition to the cash fund, Los Angeles County is also creating a fund to assist families financially impacted by the raids. The details of this fund are yet to be disclosed. Separate from the county's initiatives, the city of Los Angeles is establishing a fund focused on workers and their families in small L.A. County cities and unincorporated areas.
Organizations like the California Community Foundation have established the LA Neighbors Fund to support non-profits aiding affected communities. This fund aims to stabilize families and businesses by providing essential services. Families can also seek assistance from various community groups and resources, such as the 805UndocuFund for those in nearby counties and the L.A. Street Vendor Solidarity Fund for street vendors.
While specific eligibility criteria for the Mayor's cash assistance plan have not been clearly outlined, it is intended for those significantly impacted by immigration raids, including those afraid to leave their homes or unable to work. Families seeking financial aid should contact relevant community centers or immigrant rights organizations for guidance on available resources and eligibility.
Supervisor Janice Hahn plans to introduce an ordinance barring law enforcement from concealing their identities in unincorporated areas. However, the status of this ordinance is currently unknown. Supervisor Kathryn Barger was absent from the vote regarding the cash fund.
Rosa Soto, head of the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center Foundation, emphasized the importance of support for those deported, as they often don't know how to get their last paycheck or reconcile with their equipment. The county also plans to expand a fund for small businesses that are affected financially by the raids, but no further information has been provided.
In summary, the cash fund is part of broader efforts to support families affected by immigration raids, with various community and philanthropic initiatives providing additional forms of assistance. The details of the funds and their eligibility criteria are yet to be finalized, and more information is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
- The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, following the lead of the city, is creating a cash fund for families financially affected by the federal immigration raids, but the details of the fund have not been made clear yet.
- In addition to the county's initiatives, the city of Los Angeles is establishing a fund targeted at workers and their families in small cities and unincorporated areas, focusing on providing essential services.
- California Community Foundation, among other organizations, has established the LA Neighbors Fund to support non-profits aiding affected communities, with the aim of stabilizing families and businesses.
- While the specific eligibility criteria for the Mayor's cash assistance plan are yet to be outlined, it is intended for those significantly impacted by the raids, such as those afraid to leave their homes or unable to work.
- The county also plans to expand a fund for small businesses that are financially affected by the raids, although more information about this initiative has not been provided.
