What are the benefits for undocumented families in the third economic stimulus package.

With the American Rescue Plan (ARP), undocumented families received good and bad news, as the law will only grant benefits to those with a valid Social Security number .

Although activists and defenders of the undocumented pushed for the extension of economic aid to these immigrants, Congress did not include them as direct beneficiaries of support, but sought to ensure that at least their families had access to some type of support, that is, through American couples and their American children.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand defended the integration of the so-called mixed status families, so that they could obtain the check for $ 1,400, if the husband or wife is a US citizen or holder of a "green card" and has a valid Social Security number.

"We were able to remove the restrictions that prevented mixed families from claiming the benefits ," Gillibrand said at a conference with Hispanic media. "The money will go to families with mixed status, food stamps, support to supplement insurance, undocumented families will be able to receive the help . "

If a couple files a joint tax return, one with an ITIN and one with an SSN, only the spouse and dependents who have social security numbers are eligible for a payment.

According to the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), at least 2.2 million additional people, children with social security numbers, with undocumented immigrant parents, will be able to receive stimulus payments.

Although there have been viral messages on social networks that accuse the undocumented will receive financial aid, that will not happen.

"Congress continues to exclude unscrupulous 9.3 million migrant workers and contributors eligibility for stimulus checks" said Wendy Cervantes of the CLASP to HuffPost.

Senate advisers confirmed to this newspaper the limitations of aid for the undocumented, amid the confusion about benefits.

People with ITINs cannot claim child assistance , " said a tax expert on the $ 3,600 tax credit for children under 6 years of age , and $ 3,000 for children between the ages of 6 and 17.

Specifically, families with an undocumented member can have indirect benefits through their relatives with a valid SSN.

Activists have criticized the congressional decision, because most of these immigrants are essential workers, that is, they work in industries that have kept the country running during the pandemic, such as food processors and restaurants.