PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney and Stephanie Reid, Executive Director of Philly Counts 2020, issued the following joint statement in response to the “Memorandum for the Secretary of Commerce Excluding Illegal Aliens from the Apportionment” signed today by President Donald Trump:

“Once again, President Trump is trying to divide the country for his own political benefit—this time by excluding immigrants from the 2020 Census count. He is ignoring the foundation of our democracy and challenging our Constitution, which in Section 2 of the 14th Amendment clearly states: representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state. The term inhabitants, as is used in Trump’s memo, is not in the Constitution. There are no exceptions regarding immigration status—the census counts every person living in the United States of America.

“This action is unconstitutional and appears targeted to suppress census participation and create fear and confusion among undocumented immigrant communities. If this proceeds, it would have severe consequences for the future of Philadelphia, decreasing political representation in the federal government and a loss of significant federal funding tied to census data.

“This new barrier for the 2020 Census will be challenged in court. Immigration and diversity are part of our strengths as a country. Philadelphia will continue welcoming, celebrating, and fighting for the rights of our undocumented immigrants and their families. Rest assured, we will not allow the Trump administration to erase you. We encourage every Philadelphian to participate in the 2020 Census.”