Do I need proof of residence/citizenship to get tested for COVID-19?

By Jessica Suotmaa 0

If you think about the documents you need to obtain healthcare in the U.S., you might wonder if you need the same set of documents to get tested for the new coronavirus.  Any trip to the doctor would require filling out forms, some sort of identification, and a health insurance card (if you have one).  The forms will often request a social security number or other questions regarding your citizenship.  As such, it’s natural to wonder what forms (if any) you would have to fill out to obtain free COVID-19 testing in Los Angeles county.

It doesn’t hurt to try. We put it to the test, and made an appointment through the local Los Angeles county website. We read the FAQs, just to be sure, and we scheduled an appointment for a drive-through appointment not too far from where we’re located in Pasadena.

To be clear, there is a requirement that you are resident of Los Angeles county for Los Angeles county testing.  Each county will require an address that is within the county. Certain cities have their own tests, such as Alhambra city’s recent announcement, which would require you to be a resident of their cities.

However, you are not required to show proof that you are a resident, like an utility bill or lease.

As far as we know, all free testing sites currently require an appointment.

You fill out the form online and it requires:

  • your name
  • your date of birth
  • your home address
  • your phone number
  • your email (optional for results)

Note: It asks for your email so it can provide you negative test results via email and your phone number for positive test results. If you do not have an email, either will be provided via phone. 

Then, you choose a testing location closest to you. Site locations range from Los Angeles city to Long Beach to Pacoima.

Available testing dates depend on the location. For example, in San Gabriel Valley, the soonest appointment was four days away, but in Los Angeles city we were able to find a next day appointment.

After you schedule the appointment, there webpage provides a confirmation number which you should copy, print, or note down for your visit.

You will need to bring an ID to verify, but it can be a passport, or any form of identification that will allow the medical staff to ensure you are given the correct test results.  Your information is kept private and is protected.

Do you have other questions about COVID-19 and your immigration status? Contact Lum Law Group today. We’re here to help!

Can I get a covid-19 stimulus check if I'm undocumented?

By Jessica Suotmaa 0

On April 15, 2020, California Governor Newsom announced that undocumented adult immigrants will receive a $500 stimulus cash payment from the State. As previously discussed, many undocumented immigrants do not qualify for the federal CARES ACT stimulus check.  Undocumented immigrants also do not qualify for unemployment insurance benefits.  As a result, California will distribute $500 dollar stimulus checks, up to $1000 per household, to undocumented Californian immigrants.  This money will come from the state’s 75 million dollar disaster fund and supplemented by a 50 million dollar donation by philanthropists for a total of 125 million dollars.

The announcement states that the fund will begin accepting applications in May 2020, and approximately 150,000 undocumented immigrants will receive the cash payment.

It was not clear to us exactly how these 500 dollar cash payments will be distributed, but with some digging, we found a list of “relief funds” for undocumented immigrants. The list is in English, Spanish, and Chinese.  According to the list, there are national relief funds and local relief funds available to undocumented immigrants who meet the listed requirements. We are not sure at this time if these funds are one of the avenues for the California relief payments, but they may be worth checking out regardless.

If you have questions about California’s guidelines and regulations on shelter-in-place, essential work, staying safe, etc., you can refer to California’s Immigrant Guide.  The guide includes information on the public charge determination, which has been translated into several languages, including Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog.

Some key notes we identified from the California immigration guide include:

If you need COVID-19 testing but don’t have private health insurance…

“Even if you are undocumented and/or don’t have insurance, you can get necessary testing and treatment for COVID-19 through Medi-Cal emergency services, even at a local clinic.”

If you have Medi-Cal, but aren’t sure what’s covered…

“Emergency services are free for enrolled Medi-Cal beneficiaries which includes COVID-19 testing, evaluation and treatment services.”

If you don’t qualify for unemployment insurance benefits because you’re undocumented but you tested positive for COVID-19, are caring for a family member who is sick, and so forth…

“Undocumented immigrants may be eligible for State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave.”

If you cannot afford to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic…

“Under the Executive Order, you are still required to eventually make up rental payments you miss, but you will not be evicted for nonpayment of rent until at least June.

In order to qualify for the eviction protections, you must notify your landlord in writing within 7 days of your nonpayment that you cannot pay all or part of your rent due to COVID-19. For example, if your rent is due April 1st, then by April 8th.”

How has COVID-19 affected U.S. immigration? Are you a small business owner with questions on how to manage it during the pandemic? Do you have other questions regarding COVID-19 and how we can assist you? Contact us today. We’re here to help.

US Census 2020

By Jessica Suotmaa 0

You might think the US census, a survey of the living population, has nothing to do with you if you’re undocumented, or just not a citizen. You would be wrong.

The census is organized by the government government to survey current population by state. Citizens, permanent residents, long-term visitors, work visa recipients, and undocumented immigrants are encouraged to participate in the census. The reason is that the results of the survey determine federally funding for the state, as well as state representation in the federal government.

In an immigrant-heavy state like California, a large portion of the population may not be citizens, but they should still be counted in order for California to be properly represented. Otherwise California could end up being underrepresented in Congress.

Funding for federal sponsored programs for healthcare, education, childcare, and food subsidies are also based on census results.

So, if a government employee knocks on your door, or a census survey comes in the mail, be sure to answer the questions.  Answer honestly, and don’t worry about the data. The census bureau does not share information with ICE.  The census does not have a nationality or citizenship question so whether you are documented should not come up in the survey.

Do you have questions or concerns regarding the survey? Or perhaps your immigration status? Contact Lum Law Group to speak to an experienced immigration attorney

undocumented & deportable

By Jessica Suotmaa 0

Amid recent news on an increase in Immigration & Citizenship Enforcement (ICE) raids, many may worry about detainment. While California is immigrant-friendly, it doesn’t mean law enforcement won’t turn you over to ICE.  It also does not prevent federal agents from taking you into custody. If you’re undocumented and worry you might be detained or deported, then this article is for you.

We’ve already written about how employer’s can guard against on-site job raids. We’ve also referenced many resources for undocumented immigrants to learn about their rights.  You can always call us if you you have questions about your options or current immigration case. And we’ve discussed deportation and even waivers for inadmissibility. Now it’s time to talk go over precautions you can take to protect your family if you are at risk of deportation.

1. Memorize a phone number that’s not your own

We can all (hopefully) remember our own phone number, but do you remember the number of your emergency contact? How about your immigration attorney?

…Our number is 626-795-8886, by the way.

Be sure to remember at least one phone number of a reliable person whom you can call if you’re detained.  This phone number should belong to someone who is available or who at least has a voicemail set up with an inbox that is not full.

2. Assign your kids a guardian

If you have children, and this is especially true if they’re U.S. citizens or lawful residents, they will need a guardian when you’re detained.  Someone should know to pick up your kids from school, to take them home, or to stay in your home to care for them.

Someone should also be assigned to be legally responsible for them. Relatives can be informal guardians, but anyone can be given Informal Guardianship Authorization. This form would allow the guardian to enroll your kids in school, take them to the doctor, sign up for Medi-Cal, and other necessary items. Ask us about the form, or ask your school and medical professional what forms they offer.  Prepare the necessary paperwork and sign multiple copies so that everyone has one.

3. Give someone trusted access to your info

Does your spouse, mother, child, or other emergency contact have access to your home? Do they have a key to your house? Your car? Do they know where their legal documents are? Do they know who your attorney is?

Be sure to organize all your immigration documents, forms, and other supporting documents in an accessible place. If you have criminal records, legal documents from your home country, tax records, or any other important documents, place them in the same space.  Include any other “positive” documents about your American life, your family and children that may help your immigration case.  Ensure your emergency contact knows where your legal documents are stored.

4. Prepare your loved ones

If you have an alien registration number (A#), be sure to share that with your friends and loved ones. If you are detained and they need to find you, they need certain information about you.  Specifically, your full legal name (or names, if you have multiple), date of birth, and alien registration number. Share the Online Detainee Locator link with your loved ones.

Preparedness is important as it reduces stress for both you and your loved ones when you’re detained.

5. Know your rights

As an undocumented immigrant, you still have rights.

You have the right to silence. You have the right to tell the officer you do not wish to speak.

You have the right to speak to an attorney.

You have the right to privacy of your home and vehicle. You have the right to exit your home and meet officers outside (rather than let them in). You have the right to inspect a warrant to verify if an immigration signed it.

Don’t be afraid to ask for your rights!