N.J. Undocumented Immigrants Demand Relief After 6 Months Of Pandemic

Undocumented immigrants gathered outside the Trenton statehouse on Monday to demand Gov. Phil Murphy support families who aren't eligible for unemployment benefits or federal stimulus money. 

A new report from the immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New Jersey found that 8 in 10 undocumented immigrants surveyed in the state lost pay or work during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet don't qualify for any financial assistance. 

"We haven't had money to pay our rent, our bills, for our children to feed them," said  Heidy Cordero, an organizer with Unidad Latina en Accion in Hightstown.

Advocates say the state needs to take action to help undocumented New Jerseyans, who have gone six months with no relief.

Murphy did not respond to a question during his briefing Monday on whether he would create a relief fund for undocumented residents.