Important Proposals Would Give Relief for Undocumented Workers, Tenants, and Small Landlords in New York State: Details are not finalized, but communities should wait to hear details and not get pulled into scams or pay any money to lawyers

UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk, New York: The last one year has created the most difficult situation for undocumented immigrants, for tenants, and for small landlords because of the pandemic and the economic crisis. Many organizations, including members of DRUM, formed coalitions to fight for relief and support for those who were struggling the most. “No politicians are doing a favor to our communities. Our communities organized to get relief for people by protests, meeting electeds, hunger strikes, talking to media, and so much more,” said Fahd Ahmed, Director of DRUM – Desis Rising Up & Moving.

As a result of these efforts, there are two important set of bills that are being finalized in Albany April 6. One bill, the Fund for Excluded Workers, will provide money to undocumented immigrants who could not access the federal stimulus or the unemployment benefits. Another set of bills will provide relief and support for tenants who couldn’t pay their rent, or small landlords who couldn’t make their mortgage payments. These bills are being considered because community organizations fought for them. But the bills have not passed yet, and details of the amount of support, and who qualifies, are still being finalized.

“We are already seeing people trying to do fraud and take peoples money and say they will help them with these programs. Do not pay a single penny to anyone! Not even to any lawyers office! None of these programs should require you to pay money to anyone. Wait till things are finalized and the community organizations that are fighting for these programs will provide accurate information for how and who can access the benefits.” – Fahd Ahmed, Director, DRUM – Desis Rising Up & Moving

The proposals of the New York State budget and bills will be finalized today. Then they will be voted on by the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate in the next few days. If both the Senate and Assembly pass it, then it will go to Governor Cuomo to sign for final approval. Press Release.