Crisis and Immigrants: Does Unemployment Benefit Affect Green Card and US Citizenship

When the coronavirus hit US residents, Daphne and Alex found themselves among millions of suddenly unemployed. Prior to this, Daphne was preparing for a new job in the theater, and her husband Alex worked as a freelancer on schedule and worked as a barista, says NPR... The bad news was compounded by anxiety: Is it safe to apply for unemployment benefits if one of the spouses is an immigrant?

Alex is American, but Daphne is from Germany. The publication uses first names without last names, as the couple is waiting for the US government to decide whether to provide Daphne with a green card. This piece of paper will transform her from a temporary visitor - a foreign student - to a permanent resident of the United States, giving her the right to work and live with her husband in the United States.

This couple was among the half-dozen of those whose stories NPR compiled: stories of legal immigrant workers, people who earn a living and pay taxes in the United States, but still fear that unemployment benefits could jeopardize their immigration affairs. Some were waiting for their first green cards; others extended their residence permits or were about to become citizens.

“I see that many clients who are eligible for unemployment benefits are simply too afraid to ask for it,” said New York immigration lawyer Cui Yi. Could [unemployment] somehow become a red flag for immigration services? Since the beginning of COVID, this issue has arisen repeatedly. "

On the subject: 'Worst Ahead': US Treasury Head Expects Further Unemployment Rise

These concerns are based on the new policy of the Trump administration, which is often called the “social burden” rule: it may be difficult (or impossible) for an immigrant to obtain permanent resident status if it seems that he may need state assistance.

“I'm tired of our taxpayers paying to have people come to the country and immediately switch to social security and other things,” President Trump said when unveiling the new rule in August.

But unemployment benefits are not social benefits. It is insurance that is paid by workers and employers, not taxpayers. A spokesman for the US Citizenship and Immigration Services told NPR that unemployment benefits are "benefits earned" that do not count towards criteria for a "social burden."

In fact, the “public burden” rule is not targeted at those who are applying for a green card extension or citizenship, immigration lawyers said. It applies to people applying for a green card for the first time. Yee urged worried immigrants to seek the help of lawyers if they question their protection if they receive benefits.

The Trump administration has consistently sought to limit US immigration by making more and more changes to the rules. Immigrant workers note that many things that were not previously taken into account are now taken into account when considering their immigration cases.

On the subject: How to apply for unemployment benefits: answers to key questions

“I am not applying for unemployment benefits. I don’t want to do this now, ”said green card holder Rita, who has been working and living in California for several years. Like many, Rita and her husband lost their jobs during the pandemic. "I'm telling you, I'm afraid."

Rita came to the United States from Guatemala to study film and acting. She is waiting for the renewal of her green card, hoping to apply for citizenship. She is worried that unemployment benefits will look like Rita is asking America for money.

“I prepared myself and came here legally,” she said. "I'm not here to take advantage of anything."

When to apply for unemployment benefits in New York to be processed as quickly as possible

In order to cope with the growing volume of requests, the New York State Department of Labor posted on its website updated information notifying applicants when they should file an application to process it as quickly as possible. The filing day depends on which letter your last name begins with.

• If your last name begins with A - F, the application should be submitted on Monday.
• If your last name starts with G - N - Tuesday.
• People with a last name starting with O - Z should apply on Wednesday.
• If you missed the filing day for your last name, contact the department on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

"Filing later in the week will not delay payments and will not affect the official filing date of the application, since all applications officially enter into force on Monday of the week in which they were filed," the department noted.

Extra money

Once your application has been processed, you will be able to get more money than the unemployment benefits had previously expected. This was made possible thanks to a law previously signed by US President Donald Trump. According to this law, in addition to direct unemployment benefits, Americans who meet certain criteria can receive an additional $ 600 per week for four months.

In addition, the benefit payment period will be extended by an additional 13 weeks. This means that for a 26-week state, the total duration of the unemployment support program will be extended to 39 weeks.

To apply for unemployment benefits, New Yorkers need visit this site or call the call center by the number 888-209-8124.