Undocumented immigrants can finally get free COVID-19 tests. Here's why that matters

Arizona leaders are finally stepping up to offer COVID-19 testing to hard-hit residents in south and west Phoenix – even for those without legal status.

Gov. Doug Ducey’s office is working with the feds and local leaders to set up the free testing blitz beginning this Friday. They’ll offer up to 60,000 self-administered nasal swab tests in drive-thru stalls.

Important to note about this particular blitz is that any type of ID will do to get the test, which means undocumented immigrants can get it, too.

Congress left undocumented immigrants out of any federal benefits, ranging from unemployment to housing aid to even free COVID-19 testing, though many of these immigrants remain on the frontlines providing essential services.

The pandemic is wreaking havoc in Arizona and has hit Latinos and African Americans hardest. Those in low-income communities haven’t had easy access to free testing – until now.

Many other testing sites require valid ID

Locally, COVID-19 testing availability for this community has been confusing and spotty at best because of valid ID requirements. Arizona doesn’t issue IDs or driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.

So, no valid ID, no test. Even now, some groups like the HeroZona Foundation, which is offering free COVID-19 tests at South Mountain Community College though Aug. 7, require valid ID.

In Phoenix, where staffers are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up a testing blitz, spokeswoman Shelly Jamison clarified that participants with "no ID" won't be turned day. It's good Phoenix will do that. 

But you really have to read the fine print or make a few calls and emails like I did to know which sites are requiring valid IDs and which ones are accepting any photo identification.

The key word to look for is valid, which means it has to be a government-issued ID. It took me a while to get straight answers on this point. Just imagine how difficult and confusing it is for those with limited English skills or who are already afraid to ask questions because of their immigration status.

Don't we want to know who they are?

Why can’t immigrants get a valid ID? I’m asked every time I write on the issue.

Arizona and most other states require proof of U.S. legal status to issue an official ID or a driver’s license. Only 15 states, including California, Colorado, New York as well as the District of Columbia, issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.

In Arizona, the Republican-controlled Legislature has gone further, repeatedly rejecting efforts to let the state accept the foreign-issued matrícula consular, though fingerprints and retina scans are used to issue it.

Arizona has about 275,000 undocumented immigrants, according to the American Immigration Council. More than a quarter of a million U.S. citizens in the state live with at least one family member who’s undocumented.

Immigrants are terrified to seek government help in part because they don’t want to hurt their chances of legalizing their legal status in the future. President Trump has made it his mission to keep that fear alive.  

It doesn’t make any sense to keep immigrants from getting COVID-19 tests and helping them financially like everyone else. The deadly virus doesn’t discriminate, and it isn’t asking for anyone’s immigration status before striking.

Essential workers deserve our help

Key to note is that nearly 1 in 6 of all Arizona essential workers – including grocery store clerks, nurses, cleaners, warehouse workers and bus drivers – are immigrants, according to the Arizona Center for Economic Progress.

The Children’s Action Alliance and some local leaders are urging Congress to include immigrants in future federal COVID-19 legislation. Specifically, they want to extend CARES Act financial payments to those using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, which allow those who can’t get Social Security Numbers to pay taxes.

Yes, undocumented immigrants do pay taxes.

The action alliance also wants to expand emergency Medicaid known as AHCCCS for immigrant families who need it. In Arizona, 104,000 children live in an immigrant household, the alliance says.

Offering free COVID-19 tests is the least Arizona leaders can do. They must now also seriously consider ways to help immigrants financially. Leaving them out to dry not only hurts them but everyone else who rely on them to do essential services.

Elvia Díaz is an editorial columnist for The Republic and azcentral. Reach her at 602-444-8606 or elvia.diaz@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter, @elviadiaz1.