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AP19:054

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2019
CONTACT:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla Statement on Trump Administration Decision to Print 2020 Census Without Citizenship Question

SACRAMENTO, CA – California Secretary of State Alex Padilla issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that they have decided to print 2020 Census forms without a citizenship question.

"Democracy has won. This is a victory for everyone who has taken a stand against the Trump Administration's attacks on our values and our democratic institutions.

“Let’s not forget that the inclusion of a citizenship question was not driven by any lawful justification — the Supreme Court made that abundantly clear — but instead, by a discriminatory agenda from Trump advisors Steven Bannon and Kris Kobach that was based on demonizing immigrants and trying to blunt the political, social, and economic impact of changing demographics across America.

"While we've beaten back this latest attack on our diverse communities, we still have our work cut out to achieve a complete census count.  The Trump Administration’s tone and actions have created a deep mistrust of government, especially by immigrant communities. Trump would like nothing more than for Californians to sit out the 2020 Census.

“It is going to take grassroots work by trusted local leaders and community organizations to ensure full participation in the 2020 Census. We need every Californian to stand up and be counted."

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