NALEO Educational Fund lauds victory for democracy, will mobilize Latinos for a complete count
Decision to proceed with printing Census 2020 questionnaire without citizenship question comes days following Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to temporarily halt question
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund today released a statement from CEO Arturo Vargas following the decision by the Department of Commerce to proceed with the printing of the Census 2020 questionnaire without the citizenship question:
“This decision represents a major triumph for our nation’s democracy, and a triumph for truth, justice and science. We commend the tireless efforts of the litigators in all of the cases fighting the addition of the citizenship question for their dedication to uncovering the spurious rationale provided by the Department of Commerce for adding the question. Census 2020 can now move forward without this reprehensible obstacle to achieving the most accurate count possible of America’s population.
“While we are happy with this decision, we know that this effort to undermine the progress of the Latino community and suppress the count of Latinos has still left its mark on Census 2020. Our work mobilizing the nation’s second largest population group remains more important than ever as we attempt to rebuild the trust that has been eroded over the course of this struggle. Standing alongside our nation’s Latino leadership and partners, we will work to educate our community about this important development and make sure that every Latino is counted in the 2020 Census.
“Through our nationwide ¡Hágase Contar! (Make Yourself Count!) Campaign, we will do our part to save the decennial count by engaging Latinos from coast to coast about the importance of participating in Census 2020. Our toll-free bilingual hotline—877-EL-CENSO (877-352-3676)—will be in full operation to ensure that members of our community have the information they need to count themselves and their family members.
“In the coming months, we will devote our time and resources toward healing our nation as we move forward from this failed assault on America’s foundation and principles and work toward a full count of all persons in Census 2020. We now have a fighting chance for a fair and accurate 2020 Census, and fight we will.”
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About NALEO Educational Fund
NALEO Educational Fund is the nation’s leading non-profit, non-partisan organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.
CONTACT:
Daniel Ramirez, dramirez@naleo.org
(805) 223-0225 (cell)