New Yorkers Waiting for Excluded Workers Fund

Russell, an undocumented immigrant, is one of many New York residents who has been out of work for a year because of the pandemic. He was let go from his administration job at a driving school in Queens. Russell’s immigration status kept him from receiving government assistance, including unemployment and stimulus benefits. He was brought back to work two months ago, but he only works one day a week, making it difficult for him to buy groceries, pay bills, or send money to family members in Bangladesh. New York state Democrats say there are at least 275,000 immigrants like Russell who would benefit from a $2.1 billion Excluded Workers Fund, which is part of the proposed state budget.