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Assemblymember Arambula Responds to the U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Block the Citizenship Question

For immediate release:

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) today issued a statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to block, for now, the Trump administration’s attempt to add the citizenship question to the 2020 census.

“I am grateful that the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the Trump administration’s move to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. The inclusion of that question is unnecessary and could cripple the massive effort to attain a correct count in California. This is especially true in the 31st District that I represent, which is home to populations that are difficult to count, including immigrants, young children, and communities of color.

 “Although this decision is a setback for the Trump administration, which has waged a constant assault on immigrant families, we must now wait as the legal process plays out.  And while we wait, we must continue and increase our efforts to count everyone.

“As a member of the Assembly Select Committee on the Census, I know how important it is to make sure everyone is counted.  An undercount will adversely impact the Central Valley and California, and result in the loss of millions of dollars in funding for programs that support the elderly, children, and our poorest communities.

 “We must continue to work vigilantly against the fear that the citizenship question -- and this Administration -- is causing.  California will continue to fight on behalf of ALL its people to ensure a California for All.”

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