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COVID-19 and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, so does the spike in anti-immigrant rhetoric that often leads to racist attacks, hate incidents, and hate crimes. Many media outlets have reported on this development, such as The New YorkerHuffington Post, and NBCNews. Asian Americans Advancing Justice created a page that compiles stories of Asian Americans who are targeted on a daily basis.
 
Anti-immigrant sentiment has existed in different forms throughout the history of this country, and the scapegoating of specific immigrant groups is a longstanding strategy by anti-immigrant groups that have used their access to the media to expand their reach. Experts also say that this is just the newest chapter in a long history of anti-Asian racism in the U.S. From the times of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The consistent perceptions of Asian Americans as foreigners that should be blamed for many social problems, very little has changed. Immigrants are in the group of most affected people by the current health and social crisis. Yet, many immigrants play a critical role during the current health crisis. They are doctors, nurses, health care workers and remain employed in the sector of essential services (farm workers, restaurant workers, grocery workers, and truck drivers, to name a few) that keep us all afloat.
 
According to John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, “The deliberate use of terms like “Chinese virus” has fanned the flames of racism toward Asian Americans in this country.” “We have seen individuals associate the virus with Chinese people as they are assaulting them. It’s outrageous for any elected official to have been dismissive when the evidence of racist attacks continues to climb. Words matter, and they often hold more weight when spoken by our politicians.”
 
OIR denounces all anti-immigrant bashing and promotes access for all communities during the COVID19 health crisis, in addition to information about immigrant contributions. For a summarized review of immigration history in the US, including exclusion, discrimination, and scapegoating, please check out this booklet created by OIR.

For more information about the contributions of local Asian, African, and Latino immigrants, see images below. 
COVID-19 Hate Crime PSA
In this PSA, the Office of the District Attorney calls on all County residents to contact local law enforcement to report hate crimes. 
 
For Spanish version click here

For Chinese version click here

For Vietnamese version click here
NEW Santa Clara County Food Resources Locator
Check out this new tool that helps you find food resources near you in Santa Clara County!

Silicon Valley Strong is helping struggling families find more than 400 locations with free, nutritious food countywide, using our interactive map: bit.ly/SVStrongFood
Where to get more help?
In this time of uncertainty, please keep yourself informed. Santa Clara County residents can now contact United Way 2-1-1, who is serving as a call center for questions about COVID-19. Residents can also simply text the word “coronavirus” to 211211 and follow the prompts provided.
 
2-1-1 phone and text services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 150 languages
Census Update

 

Update: the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted their timeline in response to COVID-19. Click here to view an updated timeline. 

However, the #2020Census process is ongoing. Please look out for your notification in the mail and complete your census today!

Visit my2020census.gov or make a toll-free call to 844-330-2020.

We are committed to welcoming a diverse Santa Clara County. If you have any questions or want to learn more, contact us! Email us at immigrant.relations@ceo.sccgov.org or call +1 (408) 678-1430
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One County One Future
immigrant.relations@ceo.sccgov.org | (408) 678 - 1430 |
2460 North First Street, Suite 210, San Jose CA 95131

As part of the Division of Equity and Social Justice, the Office of Immigrant Relations is dedicated to providing a welcoming experience for all immigrants. We believe in celebrating, empowering, and supporting the integration of our diverse immigrant communities. In addition to providing policy analysis, the Office funds numerous initiatives including unmet civil legal needs for vulnerable populations, legal services for unaccompanied minors, pathways to citizenship and other programs for immigrant integration, deportation defense, Know Your Rights, the Rapid Response Network, and more.

Copyright © 2019 Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations, All rights reserved.






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Office of Immigrant Relations · 2460 N 1st St. Suite 220 · San Jose, CA 95131 · USA