(Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images)

(CNSNews.com) - Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued an executive order on Tuesday to provide relief for illegal immigrants amidst the coronavirus pandemic, because they won’t receive stimulus checks from the $2 trillion federal coronavirus relief package.



“This order is more than just an official decree, it is a statement of our values as a city and as Americans,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “Since COVID-19 first reached our city’s doorstep, we have been working around the clock to ensure all our residents are secure and supported, including our immigrant and refugee communities, who are among the most vulnerable to the impact of this pandemic. Here in Chicago, saying ‘we are all in this together’ means that during this crisis, no one gets left out and no one gets left behind.”



To this end, the mayor announced that the city has implemented a housing assistance grant program to provide “disaster relief aid for the housing costs faced by individuals and families impacted” by the coronavirus.



The city is also “offering online Enrichment Learning Resources through Chicago Public Schools for all students at all levels, so that each student, regardless of immigration status, can continue to pursue a top-notch education.”



And finally, entrepreneurs and small business owners, “including immigrant business owners” can receive money from the $100 million Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund,” which provides small businesses with disaster relief cast flow during the pandemic.



"Not all of Chicago's residents qualify for federal stimulus checks, state unemployment insurance or other economic assistance due to their documentation status,” 22nd Ward Alderman Michael D. Rodriguez said in a statement.



“These Chicagoans are vital community members who work in various industries and help our great city to thrive every day. These Chicagoans are our family members, co-workers, neighbors and friends. I applaud the Mayor for standing with undocumented individuals and families to ensure their eligibility for any economic assistance offered by the City of Chicago during this global pandemic,” he added.



Similar efforts are under way in California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom is working with the state legislature to provide stimulus relief for illegal immigrants and other immigrants not included in the federal relief package.



Newsom said he is considering a proposal by the California Latino Legislative Caucus to create a disaster relief fund for cash payments to immigrants until they are able to return to work or until the state’s emergency declaration is lifted, the Washington Times reported.



“All of that is being considered,” Newsom said. The governor said he plans to unveil a broader package in May to include “some economic stimulus strategies at a state level, not just waiting for the federal government to do that for us.”



“Californians care deeply about undocumented residents in this state,” he said.