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2020 Census ‘citizenship’ quesition remains a mystery

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While the U.S Supreme Court (SCOTUS)denied the Trump administration permission to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census, the White House has backed down from the request basically aimed at curtailing illegal immigration and returning such persons in the U.S. to their home countries.

“Trump said he would delay the census, but I think that’s a lot of bluster,” she added. “We get a lot of data about the economy from the census,” Launa E. Gomez, J.D., Ph.D, professor of Law at UCLA said.” There are a lot of people, even in the Republican party, who will say it has to be done.”

The response was the same for a professor at L.A.’s big campus across town.

“Immigrants, their children and people of color might be less likely to answer a question that could potentially put themselves or their families at risk, given our current political context that is extremely hostile to both undocumented and legal immigrants,” Jody AgiusVallejo, USC associate professor of sociology and American studies and ethnicity wrote in a statement.

“An accurate count is critical for the social and economic stability of our communities, regions, and states, as census data is used to determine how federal and state funds are distributed to communities, including schools and programs that serve low-income communities,” she added.

“A fair and accurate 2020 census count is thus critical to our present and future.”

States like California, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Texas can lose government resources and political clout if the count is inaccurate.

“Skewed census numbers distort federal funding formulas,” The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities wrote in a recent blog. “For example, an eight percent undercount could cost Texas alone $200 million a year for Medicaid – or more.”

As the nation prepares to be counted in the decennial census, there is one silver lining: thousands of jobs will be available throughout the country, although they are short term.

The Census Bureau is hiring for a variety of temporary jobs, from office clerks to Census Field Supervisors. Additionally, a number of people will need to be hired for the “Non Response Follow Up” operation (NRFU).

Applicants should have a valid Social Security number, be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. There is no cap on the age for employment.

If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must be registered with the Selective Service System (requirement to register for military draft at age 18) or have a qualifying exemption. An application, assessment and background check are also required.

Most jobs also require employees to have access to a computer with internet and an email account in order to complete training.

The pay for Los Angeles County census workers ranges from $17 to $21 per hour, depending on position. Census takers also receive reimbursement for work-related mileage and expenses, where applicable. Job start dates vary by position and hiring process.

A number of America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) and WorkSource Centers are holding free census 2020 hiring workshops.

Visit https://2020census.gov/jobs to find additional information on the job positions, the application process and flexible hours.

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