As you may have heard in the news, republicans and democrats are close to achieving a much needed compromise on a COVID-19 relief bill. Based on what we know about this package, it’s important that senators hear from humanists to ensure that this package includes relief for all, including immigrants. I wrote to you in July when it looked like there may be a deal—but now it’s even more important than ever that you reach out to your senators, whether for the first or second time.
The United States’ case number has risen to 15.2 million, with 290,000 new cases added just yesterday. The Senate has undermined our humanist values of reason, compassion, and egalitarianism, and has endangered lives by failing to provide adequate testing, treatment, and cash payments for millions of immigrants in previous COVID-19 relief packages. Public health is everyone’s health, and yet, our elected leaders have excluded DACA recipients, many green card holders, people with Temporary Protected Status, undocumented immigrants, and mixed-status families.
While humanists have always recognized the importance of vaccines, we also know that a public health response without corresponding economic relief will only exacerbate the problem. It’s good policy and good science—otherwise, our country’s numbers will continue to get worse in the coming difficult winter. Public health funding for testing, treatment, and cash payments in the next federal COVID-19 relief package must include all communities.
