LOS ANGELES, CA - The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)Educational Fund issued the following statement in response to the Republican Party’s platform proposal calling for the exclusion of the undocumented in the 2010 Census count:

“The NALEO Educational Fund strongly condemns the Republican Party’s platform proposal to restrict the 2010 Census enumeration to persons “legally abiding” in the United States.  This proposal is contrary to one of the fundamental precepts of our Constitution, which calls for a full count of “all persons” residing in the nation.

“It is critical that the 2010 Census provides the most accurate portrait possible of our country’s population.  Policymakers at all levels of government rely on Census data to make important decisions that affect the lives of all Americans.  These data help determine the number of teachers that are needed in classrooms, the best places to build roads and highways, and the best way to provide health and public safety services to our neighborhoods and communities.  Without a full count of our population, we cannot effectively develop government policies for the public good.

“The Republican Party’s platform plank calling for an incomplete Census enumeration is unconstitutional, and would deprive policymakers, businesses, researchers and the public of the accurate data needed to ensure our nation’s future well-being and prosperity.  We call on the President and the leadership of both political parties to reject this flawed and dangerous proposal.”

About the NALEO Educational Fund

The NALEO Educational Fund is the leading non-partisan, non-profit organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.