Tuesday, Aug 04, 2020
 by 
Christa Bigue
  • As the final push for the 2020 Census is underway, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors confirmed at its Aug. 4 meeting that it stands firm in the goal of ensuring a full, accurate count of all county residents despite the Trump administration’s recent action seeking to exclude unauthorized immigrants from the enumeration of the 2020 Census used to apportion representation in the House of Representatives. 

    At its regular meeting on Aug. 4, 2020, the San Mateo Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution opposing President Donald Trump’s memorandum directing the Secretary of Commerce not to include the count of undocumented individuals when determining the apportionment of representation in the House of Representatives. While the County’s perspective is that this presidential directive cannot legally be implemented, Board members worry that it risks creating confusion and fear in immigrant communities and the general public, thereby depressing participation in the 2020 Census.

    In addition to its role with respect to congressional representation for each state, a full count in the 2020 Census is necessary in order for the County to receive all of the funding to which it is entitled for public schools, hospitals, public works projects, and disaster preparedness projects. 

    As part of its resolution, the Board of Supervisors directed County Manager Mike Callagy and County staff to bolster its   2020 Census outreach and communications in order to reach all residents, regardless of their immigration status. This outreach will emphasize that, under the law, all data collected in the census is confidential, meaning no personal information will be shared. Undocumented county residents have the right to participate in the census and can do so with the knowledge that their personal information will remain protected. 

    “The importance of a complete and accurate census count is greater now more than ever, regardless of a resident’s immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, language spoken, etc.,” stated the resolution introduced by Fourth District Supervisor Warren Slocum and Fifth District Supervisor David Canepa.  “The County also rejects the tactics being employed to depress participation in the 2020 Census and reinforces its stand against discrimination, racism, and hate of any residents and opposes the unlawful July 11, 2020 Memorandum seeking to exclude unauthorized immigrants from the apportionment base for the United States House of Representatives following the 2020 Census.  The County remains committed to ensuring all communities throughout the County are counted for a stronger and more equitable future for all residents.”

    The 2020 Census questionnaire can be completed at my2020census.gov or by calling (844) 330-2020. Beginning Aug 11, 2020, census enumerators will make personal visits to residences that have not yet completed their questionnaire. 

    Read the full Board memo and resolution: https://bit.ly/3k7vfHM

     

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    Media Contact

    Emma Gonzalez, Office of Community Affairs

    (650) 363-1938

    ELGonzalez@smcgov.org