Politics & Government

NJ Immigrants Eligible For $500 Pandemic Relief Under Murphy Plan

In his latest state budget proposal, Gov. Phil Murphy has earmarked $53 million to aid taxpaying immigrants excluded from other programs.

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy speaks during his budget address in Trenton on Tuesday. Murphy has proposed a $48.9 billion budget that boosts K-12 funding, redistributes nearly $1 billion in property tax relief and raises spending by about 5%.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy speaks during his budget address in Trenton on Tuesday. Murphy has proposed a $48.9 billion budget that boosts K-12 funding, redistributes nearly $1 billion in property tax relief and raises spending by about 5%. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey immigrants who pay taxes would be eligible for $500 in pandemic relief aid under Gov. Phil Murphy's latest state budget proposal.

More than 100,000 people would be eligible for the one-time payment funded through the American Rescue Plan, a federal pandemic relief program, NJ.com reported, citing the State Treasury Department. In all, Murphy has earmarked $53 million for the payments.

The proposal comes on the heels of a similar program that provided pandemic relief to undocumented immigrants, people recently discharged from prison and homeless people who do not qualify for unemployment or other stimulus checks.

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To qualify for the ITIN Holders Direct Assistance Program, individuals must have a taxpayer ID and make no more than twice the federal poverty rate, NJ.com reported. The appropriation will need to be approved by the state Joint Budget Oversight Committee.

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