Alina Selyukh from NPR reports about a married couple facing what millions of Americans are facing in 2020- unemployment and uncertainty due to COVID-19, but with one crucial difference: Daphne is a legal immigrant from Germany. Her husband Alex (a “natural” American) and she both lost their jobs, but Daphne is scared to apply for unemployment aid because of the hot topic from the Trump Admin: the “public charge rule”. (Note: this new rule can deny applicants who seek visas and green cards on the basis of those applicants using public assistance, re: Medicaid or other programs, or if they are ever even likely to need public assistance at any time.”) This terrible move by the White House is making many immigrants wonder if applying for unemployment will be a smoke signal to their status and boot them out of the country by denying visa renewals or green cards, but the thing people forget is, unemployment isn’t welfare, Selyukh says, its insurance, paid for by “workers and employers, not taxpayers”.

Attorney Manuel Solís stresses, “There is absolutely no problem or risk for legal permanent residents to apply for unemployment benefits if needed. It will not affect their residency status in any way nor will it hurt them when applying for citizenship. There is no reason to worry. Receiving unemployment benefits is their right, and the changes President Trump made has no bearing on this benefit. Let me say it again: If you qualify for unemployment, it is your right —it is not welfare—no matter what your financial status is; whether or not you own a home, or have money in the bank. Unemployment benefits are there for those who have lost their job, to help them out until they find new employment.”

Applying for unemployment is simple, and the only sensitive personal information required is your social security number. Permanent Legal Residents are also required to include their Alien Registration Number, but this is only to provide proof of legal status. Remaining questions are focused on the applicant’s last job, dates, and wages. Based on this data, eligibility is determined and an automatic formula gives the weekly amount they should receive.

If you fall under this category and have hesitated, don’t wait any longer. Apply for your Unemployment Benefits NOW. Depending on which state you live in, on your state government’s website you will find links to the agency with all the information you need as well as an online application.