Individuals and families in our community are experiencing unprecedented hardship because of the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the nation. This is not only a public health crisis but also an economic and humanitarian one.  Businesses are shut down and individuals have lost their ability to pay for basic necessities such as food, housing and utilities.

Federal and state agencies are attempting to alleviate some of the financial burden by providing extended unemployment insurance, paid sick leave and one-time direct payments. One group, however, will not be helped by these efforts: our immigrant brothers and sisters. 

Although they have lived in our community for years, are taxpayers and some even own their own businesses, undocumented immigrants generally are not eligible to receive federal and state benefits. They also are fearful of applying for aid, even if they or their children might be eligible, because of recent executive orders that threaten to deport even legal permanent residents who are considered a "public charge." 

Because of these and other factors, there is a humanitarian crisis unfolding as our immigrant brothers and sisters find it especially difficult to ensure that their families stay safe and healthy during this long period of forced isolation. 

As people of faith, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind, so we have created a fund and a process to support those who have nowhere else to go. 

The Racine Immigrant Support Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Racine Interfaith Coalition (RIC) Immigration Task Force, Racine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 339, Emaus ELCA and other organizations and churches. Funds will be collected and held specifically by RIC for the purpose of supporting immigrant families.