Leaders in one Virginia county approved a program last week to set aside $50,000 to support families in which the primary wage earner has been detained by federal immigration authorities.In a special Sept.2 meeting, the Arlington County Board voted 4-0 to appropriate the funds, which will be distributed by Arlington Thrive, which describes itself as a "key component of the social safety net" in partnership with the county government.Under the program, eligible families will receive up to $2,000 for those who have lost the primary wage earner.
Arlington Thrive aims to assist between 25 to 30 families, according to the board's agenda.HOW GUARANTEED INCOME ADVOCATES STRIVE TO TURN CASH ASSISTANCE INTO POLICY AFTER COVID-RELIEF FUNDS DRIED UPFederal immigration authorities make an arrest in Arlington, Va., in February.Arlington County leaders recently voted to set aside $50,000 to give families up to $2,000 if the primary wage earner was detained by immigration authorities.
(ICE)"We stand with our immigrant families, and we will not stop doing so," Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said."We are valuing the families of those that have been displaced and removed."The move was in response to the Trump administration's illegal immigration enforcement efforts in the Washington, D.C., area in recent months."Ensuring that we take care of our community and our residents and our people does mean making sure that we have emergency assistance available for what is probably one of the most challenging situations that you could possibly face," Board Vice Chair Maureen Coffey said.
"I'm very proud of us for doing this."SANCTUARY COUNTY REFUSED 615 ICE TRANSFER REQUESTS, TURNED OVER JUST 11 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, RECORDS SHOWArlington County Board of Supervisors (from left to right): Julius D."JD" Spain, Sr., Susan Cunningham, Takis Karantonis, Board Chair Matt de Ferranti and Vice Chair Maureen Coffey.
(Arlington County)The funds will be distributed to families in the form of debit cards...