COVID-19 Resources
This library contains information and resources on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), including local, national, and federal resources from agencies, coalitions, and organizations working to keep informed survivors and communities on the developments of COVID-19 and their effects.
ACTION ALERT on COVID-19
ASISTA Action Alert: Organize your Local Allies
COVID-19 is exacerbating the already tremendous barriers survivors face in accessing safety and secure status. Although we are pushing Congress to change its policies to recognize COVID's impact on survivors and their ability to file paper, get work authorization extensions, etc., we need your help educating your Members of Congress.
Advocacy & Litigation on COVID-19
Joint Press Release: Coalition of U.S. Catholic Organizations Encourages the Public to Get Vaccinated; Calls for Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines (April 12, 2021)
A coalition of 31 U.S. Catholic organizations marked World Health Day by announcing unified support to encourage constituents and faith communities to accept vaccination as an act of charity and solidarity with others that will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and build immunity against the virus.
ASISTA’s Recommendations to USCIS to Protect the Rights of Survivors of Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic
ASISTA's list of recommendations to USCIS additional to fix limitations faced by immigrant survivors’ of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other serious crimes during the COVID-19 crisis.
Letter to USCIS: Survivors must have continued access to benefits (May 15, 2020)
On May 15, 2020, ASISTA renewed its recommendations to USCIS to create more flexible processing policies so that immigrant survivors do not face hardship responding to USCIS' requests and preparing initial filings. Read ASISTA’S letter here.
Follow up Letter to USCIS: Survivors must have continued access to benefits (April 7, 2020)
On April 7, 2020, ASISTA renews its recommendations to USCIS to adopt measures that address the additional limitations faced by immigrant survivors’ of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other serious crimes.
ASISTA calls on USCIS to Ensure Survivors have Continued Access to Immigration Benefits (March 24, 2020)
On behalf of ASISTA organizational and individual members nationwide, ASISTA expressed our concerns regarding the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on USCIS’ survivor-based benefits operations. ASISTA called on USCIS to adopt measures that address the additional limitations faced by immigrant survivors’ of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other serious crimes.
Lawsuit Seeks Halt to Dangerous and Unconstitutional Policies Endangering Immigration Attorneys, Clients, and the Public During the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 30, 2020)
In a lawsuit filed on March 30, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, AILA and our partners demanded that DOJ EOIR and ICE take immediate necessary actions to prioritize the health and safety of attorneys and clients at risk from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources for Attorneys
OVW Handout Re: COVID-19 Vaccines & Testing (Feb. 2022)
COVID-19 vaccine and testing information for U-visa and VAWA clients.
This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.
International Domestic Violence Resource Guide: Coronavirus Update (COVID-19)
GLOBAL list of international help centers and organizations for women from all over the world.
Updated ASISTA COVID-19 Practice Pointer (Current as of May 18, 2020)
While we continue to advocate and await further guidance, we have prepared this Practice Pointer, Filing Deadlines for RFEs, NOIDs, NOIRs, and I-290Bs, to assist you in the meeting deadlines during this national emergency. We encourage you to also visit our partners pages on COVID-19, CLINIC and CAST.
To download the advisory in Word version, click here.
COVID-19 Practice Pointer: Initial Filings of U/T visa petitions and VAWA self-petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (Current as of May 12, 2020)
In this practice advisory, ASISTA provides practice tips on how to comply with deadlines and submit initial filings during the COVID-19 national emergency. Click here to download the practice pointer in Word version.
New ASISTA COVID-19 Practice Pointer (Current as of April 10, 2020)
While we continue to advocate and await further guidance, we have prepared this Practice Pointer, Filing Deadlines for RFEs, NOIDs, NOIRs, and I-290Bs, to assist you in the meeting deadlines during this national emergency. We encourage you to also visit our partners pages on COVID-19, CLINIC and CAST.
This project was supported by Grant No. 2017-TA-AX-K061 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
COVID-19 Resources Compiled by CAST
California, national and federal resources on COVID-19.
CLINIC Links to Government on COVID-19
Information and resources related to COVID-19 Pandemic.
TA2TA Resources and Information on Covid-19 Response
TA2TA: The TA Provider Resource Center (TA2TA) is the comprehensive technical assistance provider for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women's (OVW) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Initiative.This webpage contains and consolidates the COVID-19-specific resources, events, and webpages developed by OVW's TTA projects, and other federal agencies, to help programs, grantees, and potential grantees continue to provide high quality support and advocacy to survivors during this pandemic. This webpage will be updated as new and updated TA resources regarding COVID-19 are received. For OVW specific COVID-19 updates and information, including grants management, visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-and-faqs-grantees#covid.
COVID-19 Resources: Addressing Anti-Asian Racism
Thank you to APPI, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders In Philanthropy for compiling these resources. To download in Word version, here.
Tahirih's Guide: Adapting Trauma-Informed Lawyering Best Practice During COVID-19
This guide has a lot of great information about how to keep clients informed/calm/connected.
USCIS Alert: Public Charge & COVID-19 (Last reviewed/updated 3/13/2020)
Access the public charge alert in Spanish version, here: Alerta de USCIS: Carga Publica y COVID-19.
Resources for Survivors and DV/SA Communities
OVW Handout Re: COVID-19 Vaccines & Testing (Feb. 2022)
COVID-19 vaccine and testing information for U-visa and VAWA clients.
This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02240-MUMU awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.
NILC: Answers to Common Questions about Immigrants' Access to the COVID-19 Vaccines (April 12, 2021)
Answers to Common Questions about Immigrants’ Access to the COVID-19 Vaccines. This blog post will be updated as new developments occur — as vaccinations become more available, priority restrictions ease, policies change or are clarified, and vaccine “credentialing” systems (e.g., vaccine “passports”) and apps potentially become more common.)
IAN Webinar: Working with API Immigration Survivors: Current Challenges and Advocacy Strategies (April 2021)
This folder includes additional resources shared during the webinar.
Resources for Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
This link includes resources for individuals to find information about seeking professional help, finding housing, legal assistance, and free or low cost resources.
International Domestic Violence Resource Guide: Coronavirus Update (COVID-19)
GLOBAL list of international help centers and organizations for women from all over the world.
National Immigration Law Center, National Housing Law Project and the National Low Income Housing Coalition FAQ
National Immigration Law Center, National Housing Law Project and the National Low Income Housing Coalition FAQ: This resource provides information about immigrants’ eligibility for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), other U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs, Unemployment Insurance (UI), Economic Impact Payments, and FEMA assistance, in addition to discussing implications for “public charge” determinations.
Access to the Summary of the Publication. Access to the FAQ.
NNEDV Resources Response Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has created and compiled a national list of resources. You can see this list here. La Red Nacional para Eliminar la Violencia Domestica (NNEDV, por sus siglas en ingles) ha generado una lista de recursos en Estados Unidos. Aunque no todos lo recursos estan traducidos al espanol, es posible que pueda encontrar varios de utilidad. Puede ver el listado aqui.
COVID-19 Q&A: Understanding Benefits You Can Receive During The COVID-19 Emergency Crisis (April 2020)
The U.S. Congress has passed into law three relief bills to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This guide is intended to help NIJC clients and their loved ones understand the benefits that are currently available to them including: 1. Direct Cash Payments 2. Unemployment Insurance 3. Medical Care for COVID-19 and 4. Extended Leave for some eligible individuals.
COVID-19 Preguntas & Respuestas: Entendiendo Los Beneficios Que Puede Recibir Durante La Crisis De COVID-19 (Abril 2020)
El Congreso de los Estados Unidos ha firmado tres leyes para ayudar a la gente durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Esta guía ayuda a los inmigrantes y refugiados a entender los cuatro beneficios principales disponibles: 1. Pagos directos en efectivo; 2. Seguro de desempleo; 3. Cuidado médico para COVID-19; y 4. Permiso extendido para algunos individuos elegibles.
NILC FAQ: Immigrant Workers' Rights & COVID-19
The National Immigration Law Center, the National Employment Law Project, and the Occupational Safety and Health Law Project have partnered to create a new Know Your Rights resource called “FAQ: Immigrant Workers’ Rights and COVID-19—A Resource for Workers and Their Advocates.” This 17-page document is designed to answer frequently asked questions from immigrant workers - many of whom are in front line jobs - and their advocates on a range of subjects related to COVID-19.
TA2TA Resources and Information on Covid-19 Response
TA2TA: The TA Provider Resource Center (TA2TA) is the comprehensive technical assistance provider for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women's (OVW) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Initiative.This webpage contains and consolidates the COVID-19-specific resources, events, and webpages developed by OVW's TTA projects, and other federal agencies, to help programs, grantees, and potential grantees continue to provide high quality support and advocacy to survivors during this pandemic. This webpage will be updated as new and updated TA resources regarding COVID-19 are received. For OVW specific COVID-19 updates and information, including grants management, visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-and-faqs-grantees#covid.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tax Relief
IRS is offering coronavirus tax relief. Access here fo information in Spanish and here for other languages.
COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Detained Individuals: English & Spanish Languages (March 26, 2020)
Fact sheet about regular information on COVID-19 and what detainees can do to protect themselves.
Hoja informativa sobre información regular sobre COVID-19 y lo que los detenidos pueden hacer para protegerse.
USCIS Alert: Public Charge & COVID-19 (Last reviewed/updated 3/13/2020)
Access the public charge alert in Spanish version, here: Alerta de USCIS: Carga Publica y COVID-19.
Spanish Anxiety Questionnaire for Intake Packages
Mental Pain and Trauma Center announces a valuable tool for you to provide your Spanish speaking clients to measure their need to receive psychological counseling under a Letter of Protection (LOP).
Information On COVID-19 for Survivors, Communities, and DV/SA Programs
This link to Futures Without Violence site provides information on survivors' safety plans and self-care, remote workplace and technology resources, shelter care and homelessness, community care, financial relief for vulnerable communities, and more on COVID-19.
COVID-19 Resources Compiled by CAST
California, national and federal resources on COVID19. This link also includes national domestic, sexual violence, human trafficking, trans confidential hotlines and chats information.
Information from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Information on how to protect yourself, what you need to know about COVID 19, resources for the community, and updated information available in different languages, and state by state.
Getting your Clients Released from Detention
COVID-19 Release Documents
These documents provide an excellent framework to argue for the "immediate" release of civil detainees, even those subject to 236(c).
Habeas and Injunctive Relief Complaint. Memorandum of Law in Support of a Motion for a TRO. Government Response to TRO.
Strong work by the folks at Brooklyn Defender Services!
COVID-19 Pro-Se Parole Request Information Package
Pro Se COVID-19 Parole Guide for Sponsors. This packet is designed to be used by sponsors, family, friends, and supporters to advocate for the release of a detained loved one.
Thank you Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative, Southern Poverty Law Center!
Freedom For Immigrants: COVID-19 Detention Hotline Toolkit
Toolkit for detained immigrants to report detention conditions due to COVID-19.