In the United States, over 2.7 million families are evicted annually, a number that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of evictions continues to rise in the United States, and as they do, undocumented individuals are facing the consequences of this rise at a disproportionate rate. Due to the risk of deportation, undocumented immigrants are especially vulnerable to eviction and less inclined to challenge eviction notices. As undocumented individuals are less likely to challenge eviction notices, informal evictions are particularly common amongst this population of people. In California specifically, shortages in affordable housing disproportionately affect Hispanic individuals and undocumented seniors, resulting in overcrowded living conditions and limitation in access to public services. Moreover, the homelessness rates in California's six largest cities are over two times the national average — housing costs are almost three times that of the nation. Within the available housing, unfortunately, many landlords fail to give the accommodations the repairs they need, forcing tenants to deal with problems such as dysfunctional stoves and black bold; some tenants have also complained of water damage in their apartments.
Even though eviction laws are not uniform across the country, regardless of the state, individuals who do not have legal status have rights that protect them against discrimination. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass instituted limited assistance programs that aim to help tenants facing housing struggles. These programs include up to six months' rent support, protection from landlord harassment, and legal representation. Additionally, the federal government has provided resources to aid those who are facing housing discrimination.
Evictions are on the rise — and it's harder for those who are undocumented
Reviewer: Marie
Guest editor from NMH School
October 09, 2023
News from: nbcnews
Link:https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/evictions-are-rise-impacting-many-undocumented-latinos-rcna99478