The call made in CHIRLA focused on members of the California Assembly considering bill AB 1536, which would provide an average of $1,000 per month to immigrants over 65, the blind, and the disabled without legal status.
Democratic Assemblyman Juan Carrillo, the author of the measure, stressed in a statement that the number of aging undocumented persons is increasing in California.
Carrillo hailed the efforts made by California to allow illegal immigrants access to state health insurance and food assistance, but considers that efforts are still needed to protect immigrants who do not have the legal status of older people.
“The law will allow our population of unregistered older people to age with dignity,” the legislator estimated.
“We are immigrants of age working to help the economy and growth of California, it is more than fair that everyone receives a part of the money that they have already paid in taxes, and it is not returned to them just because they do not have documents,” said Mexican immigrant Helena Ayala, 70, who participated in the event today.
Ayala, who immigrated to the US 40 years ago, stressed that without pensions, many undocumented older people would be forced to live on the streets. “This law will also serve to combat the homeless crisis.”
The activists also urged voters in California to join the campaign and put pressure on lawmakers to support the passage of the law. “The beneficiaries are grandparents, fathers, mothers who have worked all their lives and need this support,” Ayala insisted.
According to EFE
Source: La Opinion
Alfred Hart is an accomplished journalist known for his expert analysis and commentary on global affairs. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he provides readers with in-depth coverage of the most pressing issues affecting the world today. With a keen insight and a deep understanding of international politics and economics, Alfred’s writing is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.