COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and immigrants. All are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but particularly the marginalized, such as refugees and immigrants around the world and in the United States. Catholic Legal Immigration Network CLINIC, Catholic Charities USA, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and other advocates have asked the federal government to remove barriers to health care and to make additional funding available for those without health coverage during the time of the Coronavirus crisis. Without such support, many immigrants, refugees and poor will lose their lives. See some resources here.
Resources are available, but watch for scams. Accurate information about the virus is available online, but look for reliable sites to help immigrant and other populations in your parish. The Archdiocese of Atlanta has developed a special section on their website dedicated to provide health and spiritual resources. Information from the Diocese of Savannah is also available here. St. Vincent de Paul Georgia offers information that is frequently updated. Catholic Legal Immigration Network CLINIC provides information related to immigrants and refugees.
The census of the United States population is near. The 2020 Census is rapidly approaching and robust participation in every community will have significant impact on your community’s congressional representation and amount of federal funding received. See available flyers in English and Spanish here. The entire population must be counted including those who may be present without documentation. Citizenship questions are not asked. Information is strictly confidential and cannot be used against anyone who responds. See explanatory resources here.