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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06271995 - 43099 i 12 : 30 luncheon Contra ` BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 4' TO:,' - --= = Costa �f .... . ...:.::.. County FROM: NEWCOMERS TASK FORCE DATE: June 27, 1995 SUBJECT: FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accept the final report of the Newcomers Task Force and consider the following recommendations of the task force: 1. That the Board of Supervisors affirm its commitment to the full integration of immigrant newcomers in the work of county boards, commissions, committees and departments. 2. That the Board of Supervisors commission a county-wide study of the economic contributions of the immigrant population. 3. That the Board of Supervisors commission a study of services offered by county departments, community organizations, and the private sector that serve foreign born newcomers. 4: That the Board of Supervisors monitor immigrant-related state and federal policies and legislation that may restrict or limit county operations and services. 5. That the Board of Supervisors encourage and facilitate naturalization and citizenship efforts. 6. That the Board of Supervisors appoint a Newcomers Advisory Committee to oversee the implementation of task force recommendations. FINANCIAL IMPACT. Minimal. If the Newcomers Task Force continues as an advisory committee, it would assist the county staff in writing proposals to foundations to fund the studies proposed in Recommendation#2 and#3. Outside funding would also be sought to cover staffing and other costs. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT' X YES SIGNATURE. Andres enez, C it Newcomers Task Force RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S) ACTION OF BOARD ON June 27 , 1995 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED: x OTHER: X IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED THAT the above recommendations are APPROVED; and REFERRED t0 the Internal Operations Committee for reniewIof- the issue of the composition of a Newcomers ' HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY Advisory Committee. OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED June 27 , 1995 PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SU VIS AND COU TY ADMINISTRATOR a VOTE OF SUPERVISORS: BY X DEP UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN- cc: County Administrator NEWCOMERS TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT J; ne 27, 1995 Page TWO BACKGROUND: The Board of Supervisors created the Newcomers Task Force on October 5, 1993, in response to citizen concerns about the growing anti-immigrant sentiment and charged the task force with the following tasks: • Identify ways in which the negative image of immigrants in Contra Costa County can be improved. • Identify ways in which the positive contributions of immigrants to Contra Costa County can be identified and highlighted. • Prepare and forward to the Board of Supervisors an overall plan for establishing and maintaining positive, strong and cooperative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants in Contra Costa County. The Newcomers Task Force has met monthly since April 1994 focusing on demographic information about the county's immigrant population and developing recommendations that will help lead to the full integration of our immigrant community for the benefit of all residents. AEJ:gro U . 1 Q NEWCOMERS TASK FORCE The Newcomers' Task Force, created by the Board of Supervisors on October 5, 1993, reflects the county's geographical, professional, and population diversity. 2 O CHARGE Identify ways to dispel the negative image of immigrants in Contra Costa County. Identify ways to highlight the positive contributions of immigrants. Develop a plan for establishing and maintaining positive,strong and cooperative relationships between immigrants and the rest of the community in Contra Costa County. 3 Q Change in Foreign Born Population in Contra Costa County and California 1980-1909 4 Q Top Six Foreign Born Populations in Contra Costa County 5 Q Occupations Held by Foreign-Born Persons in Contra Costa County, 1990 Comparision with Native Bom Workers(in Percentage) 6 0 RECOMMENDATION #1 ♦ That the Board affirm its commitment to the full integration of immigrant newcomers in the work of county booards, commissions, committees and departments. 7 0 MISSION STATEMENT "Contra Costa County has always been an ethnically diverse county that benefits from the contributions of a rich mosaic of immigrant communities. The Board of Supervisors recognizes the county's cultural and ethnic diversity has greatly contributed to the strength of our society. Recognizing these contributions,the Board of Supervisors supports policies that facilitates the efforts of immigrants and their families to become full members of our community." 8 0 RECOMMENDATION #2 ♦ That the Board of Supervisors Commission a County-wide Study of the Positive Economic Contributions of the Immigrant Population 9 0 RECOMMENDATION #3 ♦ That the Board of Supervisors Commission a Study of Services Offered by County Departments, Community Organizations, and the Private Sector that Addressses the Needs of Foreign-Born Newcomers 10 0 RECOMMENDATION #4 ♦ That the Board of Supervisors Monitor Immigrant-Related State and Federal Policies and Legislation that May Restrict or Limit County Operations and Services. 0 RECOMMENDATION #5 ♦ That the Board of Supervisors Encourage and Facilitate Naturalization and Citizenship Efforts 12 (0 RECOMMENDATION #6 ♦ That the Board of Supervisors Appoint a Newcomer Advisory Committee to Oversee the Implementation of Task Force Recommendations v y � r - The Force, cre t r e r on Octo he conn• x essio latio, w k syr Gt W I 3 S 'i Identcpel the negative i N; oat County. ighlight e a it'y'e migrants. n. lop a tabli aining tron shi I e t r.�•. �� p�S w � '.� 3f�Yyr a G�^� 9 I 25% d i I ` ' xs; 4 Q *� 3"i �r. y ■AI I Others ■China ®India ®Philippines [3Canada ■Mexico Germany r .� •;K S ��_Ws UII�� av � � � Co IiiW�Na# tprn Workers (in P opemomf aeore 1SS4 17% 6% %g A ,fr x� 1 Tha its commit t e � 1tn in igrant he wor o fissions, 'a rtmen x-r .. .�x Y& -_ry p"F.✓T'HxwpywY.�3,.0 1:�. ...4YnA,r .�+k,N+2*-.���a.- `1;� \c I ro € Tha ervisors g r a z Chou -w,ide Stud mic Co r i tion N yy, Y•r i i sl r c ry r t Tha oa ervisors Cii�ti u f ervices �r my Dep an izatio s to Sete fat Ad . s of 3or a} g . SS � � i I i s r Tha ervisors M d tat and Fe i 3 m gisIatio` t i ounty ices. 3+ � 4 a Tha r of, dupervisors E N +a iate Naturali it Efforts MF .,der � - •f ,x� yy a � ..��. F r That y rvisors Appo' ry ittee to tai on of T c a gg d> i C C C Contra Costa County NEWCOMERSC - C TASK FORCE C C Final Report C to the , C C Board of Supervisors C C Newcomers Task Force Members C Andres E. Jimenez, Dan Garcia Gloria Omania C Chair Isabel Garcia Regina M. Penna Maria L.Alegria Marsha Golangco Barbara Racek Ramiro Arosemena Mary Kobayashi Alicia Reardon Sheela Bhatt Zenaida Madera-Campos James M. Evans Jack Nakashima Staff. Mary Rosas i z.. June 27, 1995 C . C - 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On October 5, 1993, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors created the Newcomers Task Force to recommend ways the county can improve the coordination and provision of services to immigrants, to identify ways of highlighting contributions by immigrants, and to address current immigrant issues. This final report of the Newcomers Task Force summarizes key findings about demographic trends of the immigrant population in Contra Costa, the principal policy issues related to the county's foreign born, and proposes that the Board of Supervisors adopt the following six recommendations that, taken together, serve as a basis for establishing "strong cooperative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants." 1) That the Board of Supervisors affirm its commitment to the full integration of immigrant newcomers in the work of county boards, commissions, committees and departments. 2 That the Board ofu ervisors commission a count -wide stud of the S A Y Y economic contributions of the immigrant population. 3) That the Board of Supervisors commission a study of services offered by county departments, community organizations, and the private sector that serve foreign-born newcomers. 4) That the Board of Supervisors monitor immigrant-related state and federal policies and legislation that may restrict or limit county, operations and services. 5) That the Board of Supervisors encourage and facilitate naturalization and citizenship efforts. 6) That the Board of Supervisors appoint a Newcomers Advisory Committee to oversee the implementation of task force recommendations. 3 INTRODUCTION In October 1993, the Board of Supervisors established the Newcomers Task Force. Responding to citizens' concerns about the growing anti-immigrant sentiment, the Board of Supervisors charged the Newcomers Task Force with the following tasks: Identify ways in which the negative image of immigrants in Contra Costa County can be improved. ' ♦ Identify ways in which the positive contributions of immigrants to Contra Costa County can be identified and highlighted. ♦ Prepare and forward to the Board. of Supervisors an overall plan for establishing and maintaining positive, strong and cooperative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants in Contra Costa County. The 15 members of the Newcomers Task Force reflect the county's geographical, professional, and population diversity. The Newcomers Task �i Force has met monthly since April 1994, focusing on obtaining demographic information about the county's immigrant population and identifying ways to assist the Board of Supervisors in crafting policy approaches that will lead to the full integration of our immigrant community for the benefit of all residents. This final report summarizes our findings about the key demographic trends of the immigrant population in Contra Costa, principal policy issues related to the county's foreign born, and proposes that the Board of Supervisors adopt recommendations that, taken together, serve as a basis for "strong and cooperative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants." f�+ Adoption of the six Task Force recommendations will help lead to the establishment of partnerships among elected officials, all residents, local governmental entities, community organizations and the business community to build a climate of understanding and mutual respect across communities in Contra Costa County. Members of the Task Force are confident that our work will help to dispel the negative images of immigrants and will place a needed focus on their valuable contributions to county life. 4 BACKGROUND The issue of immigration is much more important and complex than suggested by much of last year's discussion about undocumented immigration during the Proposition 187 debate. Census and INS data indicate that over 90% of immigrants in Contra Costa County are naturalized citizens or legal permanent residents who are active participants in and contributors to the well being and prosperity across a number of Contra Costa communities. This county is home to an immigrant community unique among California counties in its diversity of national origin and occupational distribution, as indicated by the data presented in this report. Included in this group are successful professionals and business leaders, hard-working unskilled laborers, as well as refugees from civil wars and the aftermath of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia and Central America, requiring our attention to their special needs as well as special talents. Immigration policy, understood as border enforcement, admission quotas, and refugee qualifications, is primarily a matter for the Federal Government. Yet, State and local governments have important roles to play in assuring the full integration of the immigrants through effective promotion of education, health services, economic opportunity, and naturalization. Counties and local government also have the responsibility to seek special assistance from State and Federal authorities when faced with unique demands as a result of changes in immigration policy. The debate over policy issues and legislation regarding immigrants, documented and undocumented, is growing rapidly on all government levels. There is no doubt that the Board of Supervisors will be increasingly drawn into the debate and will be required to take part in determining policy and legislation that will affect the County and the State. The direction of the debate will determine critically important issues -- the numbers of people who will immigrate, the services the government will or will not provide to immigrants, the governmental level which will be responsible for providing services, the effectiveness of services, and local economic activity. Importantly, the debate will influence to a high degree the positive or negative relationship between immigrants and non- immigrants. 5 It is obvious that immigration has become an intergovernmental crisis for a significant proportion of our country. A commitment to the full integration of immigrants in policy and legislation will help encourage partnerships and intergovernmental collaboration to ensure that all merr,ibers of society, even the most weak and vulnerable, can benefit equally from b:3sic service and be given the opportunity to participate fully in the fabric of our society. i n becomepoliticallychar ed and controversial issue in this Imm gratin has eco a g area, leading to many misperceptions about the characteristics of the foreign born in Contra Costa County. If we are to value our county's immigrant community, see it as an asset, and encourage the integration of newcomers, special attention by county authorities will be needed to dispel myths, provide effective services, and encourage cooperation across communities. For a glimpse at some of the many contributions of immigrant men and women, , one need only point to the example of our'Task Fori;e members, a number of whom were born in other countries. Yet, the foreign-kaorn members of the Task Force are not unique; many in the immigrant community have contributed in diverse ways to the well being of the community. 'Whether immigrants offer labor, entrepreneurship and innovation or culturall diversity, they are all contributors to the diverse fabric making up Contra Co.5ta County. To better understand the immigrant community, it is important to review key demographic characteristics of this population. The next section provides a demographic profile of the Contra Costa County immigrant community. i 6 �y r DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS AND POLICY ISSUES Dramatic population change has been a constant feature of Contra Costa's i history. During the 1980's, the proportion of foreign born of the county's population grew from 10% to 13%, totaling 106,758 in 1990 (see Appendix 1). Drawing from data compiled by the Newcomers Information Clearinghouse, we summarize below key features of the county's immigrant population. Contra Costa County, which accounts for 2.7% of California's population, has 2°x6 of legal immigrants and refugees and less than 1% of the State's undocumented population. 13% of Contra Costa County's 800,000 residents were born outside the United States. This compares to 22% statewide and 8% nationwide (1990 '~ Census). In 1910, 14% of the nation's population was foreign born. (Census) • Almost half of the foreign born in the county came to the United States between 1980-1990. (Census) • 45% of foreign born in Contra Costa County are U.S. citizens (one of the highest in the state). (Census) • Mexico, Philippines, Mainland China, Canada and the United Kingdom are the top five countries from which the largest number of immigrants have come to Contra Costa County. (Census) • 18% of all Contra Costa County residents speak a language other than English at home. Of these, 41% speak Spanish and 33% speak an Asian Language. (Census) • Students in Contra Costa County public schools speak more than 60 languages. (State Department of Education). r . The largest percentage (29%) of foreign born people in the work force in Contra Costa County are executives, managers or other professionals; this is only slightly lower than the native born population in the county (34°x6). Foreign born, however, also work largely in the sales and service sector (27%); administrative (16°x6), labor and craft and repair sectors. While non-English speakers comprise 18% of Contra Costa County's population, they number less than 12% of AFDC recipients (refugees �~ account for a significant proportion). (County Social Services, Census.) 7 Fewer residents (and a smaller percentage) of Contra Costa County are foreign born than in Alameda, San (Mateo, Santa Clara or San Francisco counties as shown in Chart 1, below. - U Chart 1 Change in the Foreign Born Population in Contra Costa J J P County and the State of California -- 1980-1990 is 20 9SJb IM $ Contra costa county _ acautornaa P - 0 ,�. 9880 1930 �f I� 8 At the same time, Contra Costa is marked by a greater diversity of national origin groups among immigrants when compared to neighboring jurisdictions or the state as a whole (see Appendices #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6). This diverse population is represented by residents originating from the Americas, Asia, Europe and to a lesser extent, Africa. In Contra Costa County, residents come from over 90 countries of the world. Most notable are the large Filipino, Mexican and European immigrant populations. Chart 2 Top Six Foreign Born Populations in Contra County SII o:aers 51% China 6% India 3% Philippines Canada Gennany 4% t^ 3% Mexico 18% Contra Costa County (N = 106,758) Source: 1990 Census Newcomer Information Clearinghouse, International Institute of the East Bay r-- 9 A large number of the foreign born population work in professional occupations in Contra Costa County. As Chart 3 indicates, 29% of the immigrants to this r , county are working in executive, managerial or professional sectors as opposed l to the only slightly higher figure of 34% of the native born population. While in comparison to the U.S.-born residents in county, there is a slightly larger percentage of foreign born who work in unskilled labor occupations and the sales and service sectors. (See also Appendices#7, #8, and #9.) Chart 3 Occupations Held by Foreign-Born Persons in Contra Costa County, 1990 Comparison with Native Born Workers(in Percentage) Professional Technician Sales&Service µ v 27%:' ®Native Born Admin.(Clerical) _ O Foreign Born Fanning,Fishing, fW. Forest 8 41 Craft 3 Repair operators,Laborers t�p� J 0% 5% 10% 45% 20% 25% 30% 35% Data Sources: 1990 Census, Public Use Microdata File, 5% Sample; Summary Tape File 3 (Corrected) Immigrants' are often mistakenly viewed as a population that heavily depends on public assistance. However, in Contra Costa County this myth does not accurately describe either the documented or undocumented immigrant f 1417&utiliization data for public assistance is not available by immigrant status pegal immigrant, refugee, undocumented, US born), but primary language spoken can be used as a proximate indication of recent immigrant status. Those who speak English are more likely to be native bom or long time US residents, whereas those who speak a primary language other than English are more likely to be recent,immigrants. 10 communities. Immigrants who speak a language other than English at home, and are over five years of age, comprise only, 11% of public assistance recipients. (See Appendix #3. Note: The County population of 743,500 represents people over the age of five years old.) This is not a public assistance dependent population. The undocumented population is not eligible ti for most government assistance and their use of these programs is negligible. Of non-English speakers utilizing public assistance, the refugee foreign born are the most notable. Laotian, Vietnamese and Cambodian are the three largest refugee populations using public assistance. (See also Appendices #10, #11 & #12.) L Refugees, as opposed to other immigrants, are eligible upon arrival for assistance and their dire situation usually predetermines their need. Refugees come with the invitation of the Federal Government to flee political persecution, while legal immigrants come primarily for family reunification or economic reasons. But, in fact, refugee status has more to do with U.S. Government policies and priorities than with an individual's situation. For example, in the 1980's, many Central Americans living in the United States had fled oppression and persecution in their home country similar to that of refugees from Southeast Asia. Southeast Asians were considered refugees; Central Americans were not.2 Refugees in Contra Costa County predominantly originate from Southeast Asia. They live primarily in West Contra Costa County. There are no precise estimates of the undocumented population at the county level. Based on Census, INS, and state administrative data, undocumented immigrants in Contra Costa County are estimated to number from as low as 9,000 up to 14,000 comprising no more than 2% of the county's total population. While there is no adequate official accounting of the economic and fiscal contributions made by the undocumented immigrant population, studies suggest that the undocumented population resembles the characteristics of other recently arrived immigrants. Also, most residents with undocumented status will likely be able to become legal immigrants under current immigration law. Many without documents are members of mix-status families that include those who are legal permanent residents and citizens. In February 1995, the first of a series of issue briefings on the costs and benefits to counties providing services to their undocumented immigrant population entitled, "Shifting the Balances: An Analysis of the Intergovernmental Aspects of U.S. Immigration Policy" was released.3 r� 2 International Institute of the East Bay, Newcomer Information Clearinghouse. _Contra Costa County: Profile of Ethnic and Immigrant Populations, June, 1994 p37. r NACO, National Association of Counties, Shifting the Balances: An Analysis of the Intergovernmental Aspects of U.S. Immigration Policy, February 1995. 11 _ . According to this report by the National Association of Counties (NACO), studies indicate that "overall, annual taxes paid by immigrants (including undocumented immigrants) to all levels of government more than offset the cost of services -- received, generating a net surplus of $25 billion to $30. billion.,4 Further, "a RAND Corporation study in 1986 reported that immigrants earned approximately $240 billion, paid $90 billion in taxes, and receive only about $5 billion in benefits."5 Moreover, "the revenue generated, however, is not dispersed evenly - across levels of government. In fact, according to the report, the federal government takes in two-thirds of these revenues, whereas states and localities, the principal service providers, recoup only one-third of the generated revenues."e I It is clear from the data that the real issues around foreign born in Contra Costa County center less on immigration and more on immigrants and the opportunities - and barriers they face and the contributions they can offer. The multitude of languages they speak, occupations they engage in--both skilled and unskilled-- and their entrepreneurship are just a few of the contributions these foreign-born residents are offering to the community. In addition, foreign-born residents are involved with civic duties aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of life in Contra Costa County. Whether _ offering their services on this Task Force, other county advisory boards, service activities or parent groups, immigrants enrich county life. While it is important to emphasize contributions made by immigrants to county life, the barriers immigrants face often inhibit them from immediately reaching their potential. Issues of hate violence, race and immigrant discrimination and — social isolation face the newcomer. Refugees who are arriving from war-torn countries or those who have faced a great deal of persecution are faced with psychological barriers as well as economic and social barriers which do not allow them to adjust or develop to a new and better life for themselves and their families. Not surprisingly, data consistently indicates throughout California and the United States that the longer immigrants live in this country, the better they i i 4 Fix, Michael and Passel, Jeffrey S., Immigration and Immigrants: Setting the Record Straight, (The 'I Urban Institute: Washington, D.C.: May 1994): 3-4. 5 Child and Family Policy Forum, Policy Brief. Health Care and the Undocumented: national and State Policy Perspectives, April 1994, No. 11 6 Marilin Sanz, Associate Legislative Director, National Association.of Counties. 12 i fare economically, educationally and occupationally. The inevitable needs of newer immigrants must be publicly accounted for through adapted services and t increased awareness within governmental agencies. Through these provisions immigrants have a greater chance of adapting to this new culture and contributing to this diversity. Citizenship is one key way of achieving the full incorporation of immigrants into community life. Contra Costa County residents and agencies have recently begun an organized response to the need for naturalization. The International C Institute of the East Bay has established an East Bay Citizenship Network. The network regularly convenes non-profits, community-based organizations, and Adult School providers of citizenship services (classes, counseling, group processing, outreach, testing, and civic participation training) and is working on an East Bay Citizenship Services Inventory. It is obvious from this survey that there is a need to establish more citizenship services and opportunities in Contra Costa County. A Contra Costa County Citizenship Network has recently been formed. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center and other agencies with expertise in naturalization, such as LaRaza, are interested in collaborating with Adult Schools and community-based organizations. An example of such collaboration would be for attorneys or accredited representatives to come to adult schools after the instructor has assisted applicants to do a draft run-through of application forms to provide a final review and to answer questions. Collaborations have also been formed between Adult Schools and Community- based organizations to provide citizenship classes. The strength of these collaborations is the CBO's direct knowledge of and ability to recruit their target ethnic group coupled with the Adult Schools' monetary resources to pay teachers. As an example, a concerned priest at a local Catholic Church with a large Lao- Khmu congregation actively encouraged the Lao-Khmu community to take the necessary steps to become citizens. His knowledge of the English Action Center, which is the largest provider of education services for the adult Laotian 'u community in West Contra Costa county, resulted in the enrollment of over 50 Lao-Khmu in this agency's three citizenship classes. The teachers are provided by Richmond Adult School. This example is also strong evidence of the fact that it is only possible for us to reach the majority of this community by providing them with an environment of specialized services targeted to their unique needs, such as bilingual support and very low level citizenship/ESL classes. r� I ' `y 13 RECOMMENDATIONS (� In presenting these recommendations, the Task Force urges the Board of Supervisors to take a leadership role in establishing a partnership among elected officials, local government, community organizations, residents and the L: business community to build a climate of understanding and mutual respect across communities in Contra County. (._ Recommendation #1: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AFFIRM ITS COMMITMENT TO THE FULL INTEGRATION OF IMMIGRANT NEWCOMERS IN THE WORK OF COUNTY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND DEPARTMENTS. To help affirm this commitment, the Task Force recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt the following mission statement to help guide the work of county boards, commissions and departments. Contra Costa County has always been an ethnically diverse county that benefits from the contributions of a rich mosaic of immigrant communities. The Board of Supervisors recognizes the county's cultural and ethnic diversity has greatly contributed to the strength of our society. Recognizing these ( contributions, the Board of Supervisors supports policies that facilitates the efforts of immigrants and their families to become full members of our community." Recommendation #2: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMISSION A COUNTY-WIDE STUDY OF THE POSITIVE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE IMMIGRANT POPULATION. To help "identify ways in which the positive contributions of immigrants in Contra Costa County can be identified and highlighted," the Newcomers Task Force recommends that the county, as the lead agency, commission a study that would research the newcomers role in the county's economic life and the degree to which their contributions have a positive impact on our local economy. This study would include a collaboration with non-profit organizations, academia, and Ff the business community. It would examine the entrepreneurial consumer activity, professional and technical contributions and labor force participation. F 14 — Moreover, there is a great need for data that responds to the question: "What is being done to facilitate the newcomer's economic participation in our county?" _ This question can best be answered in a collaborative effort by all segments of the community: non-profits, academia and business. As public officials, the Board of Supervisors can more effectively lead the debate and respond to anti- immigrant proposals in an educated, comprehensive and visionary manner by drawing from original data and analysis of immigrant economic participation. The Newcomer Information Clearinghouse of the International Institute of the East Bay has compiled the Business and Labor Profile of Ethnic/immigrant Populations in the East Bay, in anticipation of the formation of a Business Task Force comprised of immigrant and refugee representatives of various business sectors. The Business profile utilizes both a quantitative and qualitative approach to ascertain patterns of employment held by various ethnic groups (by world region of origin and length of arrival), by citizenship status, and across gender lines. In addition, this profile aims to look at workplace issues, emerging forms of worker advocacy and immigrant entrepeneurship, through qualitative approach. This report can serve as the initial study endorsed by the county - supervisors to look at immigrants and labor in Contra Costa County. For example, one of the businesses which may be interested in collaborating and/or participating in this study is Pacific Bell. They have taken a leadership - role in identifying different "Ethnic Markets". They see the economic benefits of a growing Asian and Hispanic population and have conducted research in this area. Most recently, Pacific Bell identified the Filipino market as the largest Asian community: they are educated and have a higher disposal income. In recognizing this growing potential market, they developed a Filipino Service Center. We believe that a study would yield benefits to all segments and residents of our county. It would examine how the immigrant experience; one of hard work, commitment and accomplishment is an integral part of what stimulates our local economy and thus, leads to self-sufficiency. Most importantly, a collaborative study would re-focus the political debate that immigrants become public charges and as a result negatively impact on our local economy. - 15 Recommendation #3: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMISSION A STUDY OF SERVICES OFFERED BY COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNITY j ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF FOREIGN-BORN NEWCOMERS. In order to establish effective partnerships and the full integration of the newcomers, we recommend that the Board of Supervisors authorize a study of services offered to foreign-born newcomers by the county, community organizations and the private sector. This study would gather information that would establish more effective partnerships and help examine how existing services serve to integrate the newcomer into the county. Additionally, it would offer information to determine the most effective ways to deploy those services. Many non-profit, community and ethnic organizations have emerged to help the newcomer during difficult times. Their efforts should be acknowledged and supported. These organizations have a key in helping newcomers become full contributing members of their community. Local and regional foundations have expressed interest in funding a study of this nature. Also, community research and information services, such as the International Institute of the East Bay, could help provide coordination and management of a county-wide study of immigrant services. The Newcomer Information Clearinghouse of the International Institute of the East Bay is in the process of updating a resource directory of all the non-profit and community based organizations serving immigrant and ethnic populations in the East Bay. This directory will be indexed by type of service and language. 4 This type of inventory can serve as a model for a county inventory of services provided and the utilization rate of those services. Recommendation #4: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MONITOR IMMIGRANT-RELATED STATE AND FEDERAL POLICIES AND LEGISLATION THAT MAY RESTRICT OR LIMIT COUNTY OPERATIONS AND SERVICES. A changing policy environment necessitates monitoring of and response to 9 9 P Y 9 P proposed policy and legislation. The direction of the debate over immigration will determine critically important issues — the numbers of people who will immigrate, whether or not services will be provided, and the extent to which the local economy will be impacted. Importantly, the debate will influence the positive or negative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants. 16 The following are some of the critical issues now being debated to which the _ Board of Supervisors can encourage fair and effective policy approaches: • Health Care The health care reform plans which have been considered by Congress would make it difficult or impossible for the undocumented to continue to be — covered by employers. Yet, according to an INS study done in 1992, half of undocumented immigrants have private health insure provided by employers (46%) or through individual purchase (4%). Interest groups have proposed ways to provide health care for undocumented; levying a tax on industries with the highest percentage of undocumented, establishing a limited package of services and creating a permanent State Legislation Assistance Grant (SLAG) to assist states, to name a few. In California, AB 418, if it had passed, would have eliminated pregnancy - related services for undocumented; AB 418 is up for reconsideration. Contra Costa County's participation in partnerships with other counties and the State would enhance the support of federal legislation level to make the federal government reimburse the State for pregnancy-related medical services and — to see that HHS reverses its decision to allow states to choose not to provide pre-natal care for the undocumented. • Social Services Federal Legislation HR 4 would negatively affect most all immigrants (non- citizens) by making them ineligible for most government programs -- including Medicaid and community health care, SSI, food, shelter and housing assistance, programs for the elderly and the block grant programs to states, y- including social services child protection, and child care and development. The government estimates that denying benefits to immigrants will result in savings of $3.7 billion. But, a reduction on the federal level will shift costs to the states and counties with large immigrant populations. California's responses to welfare reform would result in a time limit of two years of cash assistance for all recipients. This proposal is at odds with the current federal mandate that allows refugees in all states welfare eligibility for three to five years. 17 • Affirmative Action -1 The California Civil Rights Initiative and similar state legislative proposals would eliminate consideration of race and ethnicity in public employment, public contracting, and public college admissions. Immigrants and their children may face limited educational and employment opportunities as a result of these proposals. In addition to the above issues, problems of immigration are seeping into almost every policy discussion, including earthquake disaster response and the crime bill. Significantly states having the largest number of immigrants hold more than a third of the House of Representatives' membership. An approach to policy and legislation favorable to the full integration of immigrants is vital to ensuring that all members of society, even the most weak and vulnerable, can benefit equally from basic services and be given the opportunity to participate fully in the fabric of our society. Recommendation #5: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP EFFORTS. As a proposed legislation restricting the basic rights of immigrants increases, legalized permanent residents face becoming an excluded underclass unless they become United States Citizens. By becoming citizens and exercising the right to vote, immigrants become full participants in community life. The Board of Supervisors can partner with immigrant organizations, churches, and non- profits to encourage, promote, and facilitate citizenship efforts -- citizenship outreach, naturalization counseling, group application processing, and testing. The INS is already swamped with applications due to the eligibility of the many people who become permanent residents through the legalization programs. It is the role and responsibility of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to (� perform naturalization, yet although the INS budget was increased 25°x6 this L year, naturalization services got very little of it. At our local INS office in San Francisco, the wait for an interview is up to 15 months and is growing. The CFederal Government must be encouraged to make Naturalization a high priority in future INS budgets. The Board of Supervisors' continued awareness and support of citizenship needs will do much to further the efforts to change immigrants into fully participating and accepted citizens of Contra Costa County. r 18 - Recommendation #6: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPOINT A NEWCOMERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS. If the work of the Newcomers Task Force continues as an advisory committee, it would assist the county staff in writing proposals to foundations for funding of the countywide study of immigrant contributions and the study of services. The proposals would seek funding for both staffing needs and materials to conduct the research. The advisory committee would include several individuals from the private sector, community organizations and the county with special expertise in this area. The advisory committee will also be responsible for implementing the remaining task force recommendations and other issues related to the immigrant population. I r' 19 APPENDIX #1 Percent of Foreign Born and Native Born, Contra Costa County & California #2 Top Six Foreign Born Populations, Contra Costa County & California #3 Foreign Born by World Region, Contra Costa County & California #4 Foreign Born Distribution by Region, Contra Costa County #5 Percent of Total Foreign Born in Contra Costa County by Region r #6 Foreign Born by World Region, Contra Costa County C #7 Occupations of Legal Foreign Immigrants to Contra Costa County & California, 1991 #8 Occupations Held by Foreign Born Persons in Contra Costa County, C1990, By Year of Entry #9 Occupations Held by Foreign Born Persons in Contra Costa County, 1990, By World Region #10 Public Assistance Recipients by Primary Language Spoken, Contra Costa County, April 1993 #11 Contra Costa County Public School Languages, 1992-93, Primary Languages Other than English �+ #12 AFDC Recipients in Contra Costa County by Languages Spoken, April 1993 APPENDIX#1 i No C L MO O N M N 0 O O c� m ::.............:........:.: .......... :.......... .. .............. .................... ......,..:.:.... ::::::::.......:...::.::.:::::........ � cc ....:::::.::......` w .::{:::::::. _ N Cc i i a� co +� Z C t ca 0 O C O _ � fA CO U V� C ca C L 06 o U m 0000 c L �-'' > r� o .° MO *4-- � c W O z .� � a� U cu L- C 0) LL CN 0 1 U 0 FDcut {};; '�iY•�, M r''CM1. 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Q U .......... f~/J O c O • o W CC C VJ w G N CSO E `O 7 C L N �, -+- cu p Q y C — CL `-' r O a ■� * (� O` U 'c aa) w � z o Ln — s �r �- tA U ro Umw Q c Cj ` m � � z 0 o u Q (A a • C Contra Costa County C NEWCOMERS F TASK OldCE Final Report to the Board of Supervisors Newcomers Task Force Members Andres E.Jimenez, Dan Garcia Gloria Omania C� Chair Isabel Garcia Regina M. Penna Maria L.Alegria Marsha Golangco Barbara Racek Ramiro Arosemena Mary Kobayashi Alicia Reardon (` Sheela Bhatt Zenaida Madera-Campos James M. Evans Jack Nakashima Staff. Mary Rosas C June 27, 1995 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY L On October 5, 1993, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors created the Newcomers Task Force to recommend ways the county can improve the I coordination and provision of services to immigrants, to identify ways of 1_ highlighting contributions by immigrants, and to address current immigrant issues. This final report of the Newcomers Task Force summarizes key findings about demographic trends of the immigrant population in Contra Costa, the principal L policy issues related to the county's foreign born, and proposes that the Board of Supervisors adopt the following six recommendations that, taken together, serve as a basis for establishing "strong cooperative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants." 1) That the Board of Supervisors affirm its commitment to the full integration of immigrant newcomers in the work of county boards, commissions, committees and departments. 2) That the Board of Supervisors commission a county-wide study of the r' economic contributions of the immigrant population. 3) That the Board of Supervisors commission a study of services offered by county departments, community organizations, and the private sector that serve foreign-born newcomers. F- 4) That the Board of Supervisors monitor immigrant-related state and federal policies and legislation that may restrict or limit county operations and services. 17 5) That the Board of Supervisors encourage and facilitate naturalization and citizenship efforts. 6) That the Board of Supervisors appoint a Newcomers Advisory Committee to oversee the implementation of task force recommendations. Y 3 INTRODUCTION In October 1993, the Board of Supervisors established the Newcomers Task Force. Responding to citizens' concerns about the growing anti-immigrant sentiment, the Board of Supervisors charged the Newcomers Task Force with the following tasks: �S ♦ Identify ways in which the negative image of immigrants in Contra Costa County can be improved. ♦ Identify ways in which the positive contributions of immigrants to Contra Costa County can be identified and highlighted. ♦ Prepare and forward to the Board of Supervisors an overall plan for r' establishing and maintaining positive, strong and cooperative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants in Contra Costa County. The 15 members of the Newcomers Task Force reflect the county's geographical, professional, and population diversity. The Newcomers Task Force has met monthly since April 1994, focusing on obtaining demographic information about the county's immigrant population and identifying ways to assist the Board of Supervisors in crafting policy approaches that will lead to the full integration of our immigrant community for the benefit of all residents. This final report summarizes our findings about the key demographic trends of the immigrant population in Contra Costa, principal policy issues related to the county's foreign born, and proposes that the Board of Supervisors adopt recommendations that, taken together, serve as a basis for "strong and cooperative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants." Adoption of the six Task Force recommendations will help lead to the establishment of partnerships among elected officials, all residents, local governmental entities, community organizations and the business community to build a climate of understanding and mutual respect across communities in Contra Costa County. Members of the Task Force are confident that our work r will help to dispel the negative images of immigrants and will place a needed focus on their valuable contributions to county life. r 4 - BACKGROUND .The issue of immigration is much more important and complex than suggested by much of last year's discussion about undocumented immigration during the Proposition 187 debate. Census and INS data indicate that over 90% of immigrants in Contra Costa County are naturalized citizens or legal permanent residents who are active participants in and contributors to the well being and prosperity across a number of Contra Costa communities. This county is home to an immigrant community unique among California counties in its diversity of national origin and occupational distribution, as indicated by the data presented in this report. Included in this group are successful professionals and business leaders, hard-working unskilled laborers, as well as refugees from civil wars and the aftermath of U.S. involvement in-, Southeast Asia and Central America, requiring our attention to their special needs as well"as special talents. Immigration policy, understood as border enforcement, admission quotas, and refugee qualifications, is primarily a matter for the Federal Government. Yet, State and local governments have important roles to play in assuring the full integration of the immigrants through effective promotion of education, health services, economic opportunity, and naturalization. Counties and local government also have the responsibility to seek special assistance from State and Federal authorities when faced with unique demands as a result of changes in immigration policy. The debate over policy issues and legislation regarding immigrants, documented E and undocumented, is growing rapidly on all government levels. There is no doubt that the Board of Supervisors will be increasingly drawn into the debate and will be required to take part in determining policy and legislation that will affect the County and the State. The direction of the debate will determine critically important issues -- the numbers of people who will immigrate, the `�' services the government will or will not provide to immigrants, the governmental level which will be responsible for providing services, the effectiveness of services, and local economic activity. Importantly, the debate will influence to a high degree the positive or negative relationship between immigrants and non- immigrants. r- 5 _. It is obvious that immigration has become an intergovernmental crisis for a significant proportion of our country. A commitment to the full integration of immigrants in policy and legislation will help encourage partnerships and intergovernmental collaboration to ensure that all members of society, even the most weak and vulnerable, can benefit equally from basic service and be given the opportunity to participate fully in the fabric of our society. Immigration has become a politically charged and controversial issue in this area, leading to many misperceptions about the characteristics of the foreign born in Contra Costa County. If we are to value our county's immigrant community, see it as an asset, and encourage the integration of newcomers, special attention by county authorities will be needed to dispel myths, provide effective services, and encourage cooperation across communities. I For a glimpse at some of the many contributions of immigrant men and women, one need only point to the example of our Task Force members, a number of whom were born in other countries. Yet, the foreign-born members of the Task Force are not unique; many in the immigrant community have contributed in diverse ways to the well being of the community. Whether immigrants offer labor, entrepreneurship and innovation or cultural diversity, they are all contributors to the diverse fabric making up Contra Costa County. To better understand the immigrant community, it is important to review key demographic characteristics of this population. The next section provides a demographic profile of the Contra Costa County immigrant community. 6 DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS AND POLICY ISSUES r Dramatic population change has been a constant feature of Contra Costa's ' history. During the 1980's, the proportion of foreign born of the county's population grew from 10% to 13%, totaling 106,758 in 1990 (see Appendix 1). Drawing from data compiled by the Newcomers Information Clearinghouse, we X . summarize below key features of the county's immigrant population. r' • Contra Costa County, which accounts for 2.7% of California's population, has 2% of legal immigrants and refugees and less than 1% of the State's undocumented population. • 13% of Contra Costa County's 800,000 residents were born outside the United States. This compares to 22% statewide and 8% nationwide (1990 Census). In 1910, 14% of the nation's population was foreign born. (Census) • Almost half of the foreign born in the county came to the United States between 1980-1990. (Census) • 45% of foreign born in Contra Costa County are U.S. citizens (one of the Jam,, highest in the state). (Census) • Mexico, Philippines, Mainland China, Canada and the United Kingdom are the top five countries from which the largest number of immigrants have ' come to Contra Costa County. (Census) • 18% of all Contra Costa County residents speak a language other than English at home. Of these, 41% speak Spanish and 33% speak an Asian Language. (Census) ' • Students in Contra Costa County public schools speak more than 60 languages. (State Department of Education). • The largest percentage (29%) of foreign born people in the work force in Contra Costa County are executives, managers or other professionals; this is only slightly lower than the native born population in the county (34°x6). I Foreign born, however, also work largely in the sales and service sector (27%); administrative (16%), labor and craft and repair sectors. I While non-English speakers comprise 18% of Contra Costa County's population, they number less than 12% of AFDC recipients (refugees account for a significant proportion). (County Social Services, Census.) .J t L; Fewer residents (and a smaller percentage) of Contra Costa County are foreign bom than in Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara or San Francisco counties as shown in Chart 1, below. Chart I Change in the Foreign Born Population in Contra Costa County � 9 P and.the State of California -- 1980-1990 2s 20 IM ,, 5 acontra Costa county 1 P;A11fom1a O 1980 1980 C� C r 8 � t ti I At the same time, Contra Costa is marked by a greater diversity of national origin groups among immigrants when compared to neighboring jurisdictions or the r, state as a whole (see Appendices #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6). This diverse r7 population is represented by residents originating from the Americas, Asia, Europe and to a lesser extent, Africa. In Contra Costa County, residents come from over 90 countries of the world. Most notable are the large Filipino, Mexican and European immigrant populations. r Chau 2 Top Six Foreign Born Populations in Contra County 41i ushers 81% China 8% India s% J Philippines ' 4II 15% Canada Gerneany 4% 3% P Mexico 18% ! Contra Costa County (N 106,758) CSource: 1590 Census Newcomer Information Clearinghouse, International Institute of the East Bay 9 r' A large number of the foreign born population work in professional occupations in Contra Costa County. As Chart 3 indicates, 29% of the immigrants to this f county are working in executive, managerial or professional sectors as opposed to the only slightly higher figure of 34% of the native born population. While in comparison to the U.S.-born residents in county, there is a slightly larger percentage of foreign born who work in unskilled labor occupations and the sales and service sectors. (See also Appendices#7, #8, and #9.) Chart 3 Occupations Held by Foreign-Born Persons in Contra Costa County, 1990 Comparison with Native Born Workers(in Percentage) Exec,,Mgr., j� professional ,. ,. s ► I Technician any 4 sales&service Admin.(Cterical) ®Native Born .. . D Foreign Born f Farming,Fishing, 1% Forest craft&6tepair Operators,Laborers WL : 0% 6% 10% 16% 20% 26% 30% 36% Data Sources: 1990 Census, Public Use Microdata File, 5% Sample; Summary Tape File 3 t (Corrected) Immigrants' are often mistakenly viewed as a population that heavily depends C, on public assistance. However, in L Contra Costa County this myth does not accurately describe either the documented or undocumented immigrant CWh#e utilization data for public assistance is not available by immigrant status(legal immigrant, refugee, undocumented, US born), but primary language spoken can be used as a proximate indication of recent j immigrant status. Those who speak English are more likely to be native bom or long time US residents, whereas those who speak a primary language other than English are more likely to be recent immigrants. 10 communities. Immigrants who-speak a language other than English at home, and are over five years of age, comprise only 11% of public assistance recipients. (See Appendix #3. Note: The County population of 743,500 represents people over the age of five years old.) This is not a public assistance dependent population. The undocumented population is not eligible i for most government assistance and their use of these programs is negligible. Of non-English speakers utilizing public assistance, the refugee foreign born are the most notable. Laotian, Vietnamese and Cambodian are the three largest refugee populations using public assistance. (See also Appendices #10, #11 & #12.) Refugees, as opposed to other immigrants, are eligible upon arrival for C assistance and their dire situation usually predetermines their need. Refugees come with the invitation of the Federal Government to flee political persecution, while legal immigrants come primarily for family reunification or economic { reasons. But, in fact, refugee status has more to do with U.S. Government 4 policies and priorities than with an individual's situation. For example, in the 1980's, many Central Americans living in the United States had fled oppression and persecution in their home country similar to that of refugees from Southeast Asia. Southeast Asians were considered refugees; Central Americans were not.2 Refugees in Contra Costa County predominantly originate from Southeast Asia. They live primarily in West Contra Costa County. There are no precise estimates of the undocumented population at the county r level. Based on Census, INS, and state administrative data, undocumented immigrants in Contra Costa County are estimated to number from as low as 9,000 up to 14,000 comprising no more than 2% of the county's total population. While there is no adequate official accounting of the economic and fiscal contributions made by the undocumented immigrant population, studies suggest that the undocumented population resembles the characteristics of other recently arrived immigrants. :Also, most residents with undocumented status will likely be able to become legal immigrants under current immigration law. Many without documents are members of mix-status families that include those who are legal permanent residents and citizens. In February 1995, the first of a series of issue briefings on the costs and benefits to counties providing services to their undocumented immigrant population entitled, "Shifting the Balances: An Analysis of the Intergovernmental Aspects of U.S. Immigration Policy" was released.3 2 International Institute of the East Bay, Newcomer Information Clearinghouse. Contra Costa County: Profile of Ethnic and Immigrant Populations,June, 1994 p37. (� NACO, National Association of Counties, Shifting the Balances: An Analysis of the Intergovernmental Aspects of U.S. Immigration Policy, February 1995. 11 According to this report by the National Association of Counties (NACO), studies indicate that "overall, annual taxes paid by immigrants (including undocumented immigrants) to all levels of government more than offset the cost of services received, generating a net surplus of $25 billion to $30 billion.n4 Further, "a RAND Corporation study in 1986 reported that immigrants earned approximately $240 billion, paid $90 billion in taxes, and receive only about $5 billion in benefits.,5 Moreover, "the revenue generated, however, is not dispersed evenly across levels of government. In fact, according to the report, the federal government takes in two-thirds of these revenues, whereas states and localities, the principal service providers, recoup only one-third of the generated revenues.ne — It is clear from the data that the real issues around foreign born in Contra Costa County center less on immigration and more on immigrants and the opportunities — and barriers they face and the contributions they can offer. The multitude of _ languages they speak, occupations they engage in--both skilled and unskilled-- and their entrepreneurship are just a few of the contributions these foreign-born residents are offering to the community. In addition, foreign-born residents are involved with civic duties aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of life in Contra Costa County. Whether offering their services on this Task Force, other county advisory boards, service activities or parent groups, immigrants enrich county life. While it is important to emphasize contributions made by immigrants to county ` life, the barriers immigrants face often inhibit them from immediately reaching their potential. Issues of hate violence, race and immigrant discrimination and social isolation face the newcomer. Refugees who are arriving from war-torn countries or those who have faced a great deal of persecution are faced with psychological barriers as well as economic and social barriers which do not allow them to adjust or develop to a new and better-life for themselves and their families. Not surprisingly, data consistently indicates throughout California and i the United States that the longer immigrants live in this country, the better they I _ 4 Fix, Michael and Passel, Jeffrey S., Immigration and Immigrants: Setting the Record Straight, (The - Urban Institute: Washington, D.C.:May 1994):3-4, 5 Child and Family Policy Forum, Policy Brief. Health Care and the Undocumented. national and State Policy Perspectives, April 1994, No. 11 6 Marilin Sanz, Associate Legislative Director, National Association.of Counties. 12 i fare economically, educationally and occupationally. The inevitable needs of newer immigrants must be publicly accounted for through adapted services and increased awareness within governmental agencies. Through these provisions immigrants have a greater chance of adapting to this new culture and contributing to this diversity. J Citizenship is one key way of achieving the full incorporation of immigrants into community life. Contra Costa County residents and agencies have recently ( begun an organized response to the need for naturalization. The International Institute of the East Bay has established an East Bay Citizenship Network. The network regularly convenes non-profits, community-based organizations, and Adult School providers of citizenship services (classes, counseling, group processing, outreach, testing, and civic participation training) and is working on an East Bay Citizenship Services Inventory. It is obvious from this survey that there is a need to establish more citizenship services and opportunities in Contra Costa County. A Contra Costa County Citizenship Network has recently been formed. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center and other agencies with expertise in naturalization, such as LaRaza, are interested in collaborating with Adult Schools and community-based organizations. An example of such collaboration would be for attorneys or accredited representatives to come to adult schools after the instructor has assisted applicants to do a draft run-through of application forms to provide a final review and to answer questions. Collaborations have also been formed between Adult Schools and Community- based organizations to provide citizenship classes. The strength of these collaborations is the CBO's direct knowledge of and ability to recruit their target ethnic group coupled with the Adult Schools' monetary resources to pay teachers. (i As an example, a concerned priest at a local Catholic Church with a large Lao- Khmu congregation actively encouraged the Lao-Khmu community to take the necessary steps to become citizens. His knowledge of the English Action Center, which is the largest provider of education services for the adult Laotian �- community in West Contra Costa county, resulted in the enrollment of over 50 Lao-Khmu in this agency's three citizenship classes. The teachers are provided by Richmond Adult School. This example is also strong evidence of the fact that it is only possible for us to reach the majority of this community by providing them with an environment of specialized services targeted to their unique needs, such as bilingual support and very low level citizenship/ESL classes. 13 RECOMMENDATIONS In presenting these recommendations, the Task Force urges the Board of Supervisors to take a leadership role in establishing a partnership among elected officials, local government, community organizations, residents and the business community to build a climate of understanding and mutual respect across communities in Contra County. 1 Recommendation #1: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AFFIRM ITS COMMITMENT TO THE FULL INTEGRATION OF IMMIGRANT NEWCOMERS IN THE WORK OF C COUNTY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND DEPARTMENTS. To help affirm this commitment, the Task Force recommends that the Board of - Supervisors adopt the following mission statement to help guide the work of county boards, commissions and departments. "Contra Costa County has always been an ethnically diverse county that benefits from the contributions of a rich mosaic of immigrant communities. The Board of Supervisors recognizes the county's cultural and ethnic diversity has greatly contributed to the strength of our society. Recognizing these contributions, the Board of Supervisors supports policies that facilitates the efforts of immigrants and their families to become full members of our community." �.' Recommendation #2: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMISSION A" COUNTY-WIDE STUDY OF THE POSITIVE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE IMMIGRANT POPULATION. To help "identify ways in which the positive contributions of immigrants in Contra Costa County can be identified and highlighted," the Newcomers Task Force recommends that the county, as the lead agency, commission a study that would research the newcomers role in the county's economic life and the degree to which their contributions have a positive impact on our local economy. This study would include a collaboration with non-profit organizations, academia, and the business community. It would examine the entrepreneurial consumer activity, professional and technical contributions and labor force participation. I 14 - Moreover, there is a great need for data that responds to the question: What is being done to facilitate the newcomer's economic participation in our county?" This question can best be answered in a collaborative effort by all segments of _ the community: non-profits, academia and business. As public officials, the Board of Supervisors can more effectively lead the debate and respond to anti- — immigrant proposals in an educated, comprehensive and visionary manner by drawing from original data and analysis of immigrant economic participation. The Newcomer Information Clearinghouse of the International Institute of the -, East Bay has compiled the Business and Labor Profile of Ethnic/immigrant Populations in the East Bay, in anticipation of the formation of a Business Task Force comprised of immigrant and refugee representatives of various business sectors. The Business profile utilizes both a quantitative and qualitative approach to ascertain patterns of employment held by various ethnic groups (by world region of origin and length of arrival), by citizenship status, and across gender lines. In addition, this profile aims to look at workplace issues, emerging forms of worker advocacy and immigrant entrepeneurship, through qualitative approach. This report can serve as the initial study endorsed by the county supervisors to look at immigrants and labor in Contra Costa County. _ For example, one of the businesses which may be interested in collaborating and/or participating in this study is Pacific Bell. They have taken a leadership role in identifying different "Ethnic Markets". They see the economic benefits of a growing Asian and Hispanic population and have conducted research in this area. Most recently, Pacific Bell identified the Filipino market as the largest - Asian community: they are educated and have a higher disposal income. In recognizing this growing potential market, they developed a Filipino Service Center: We believe that a study would yield benefits to all segments and residents of our county. It would examine how the immigrant experience; one of hard work, commitment and accomplishment is an integral part of what stimulates our local economy and thus, leads to self-sufficiency. Most importantly, a collaborative study would re-focus the political debate that immigrants become public charges and as a result negatively impact on our local economy. 15 Recommendation #3: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMISSION A STUDY OF SERVICES OFFERED BY COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF FOREIGN-BORN NEWCOMERS. ' In order to establish effective partnerships and the full integration of the newcomers, we recommend that the Board of Supervisors authorize a study of services offered to foreign-born newcomers by the county, community t organizations and the private sector. This study would gather information that would establish more effective partnerships and help examine how existing services serve to integrate the newcomer into the county. Additionally, it would l offer information to determine the most effective ways to deploy those services. Many non-profit, community and ethnic organizations have emerged to help the newcomer during difficult times. Their efforts should be acknowledged and supported. These organizations have a key in helping newcomers become full contributing members of their community. Local and regional foundations have expressed interest in funding a study of this nature. Also, community research and information services, such as the International Institute of the East Bay, could help provide coordination and management of a county-wide study of immigrant services. The Newcomer Information Clearinghouse of the International Institute of the East Bay is in the process of updating a resource directory of all the non-profit and community based organizations serving immigrant and ethnic populations in the East Bay. This directory will be indexed by type of service and language. This type of inventory can serve as a model for a county inventory of services provided and the utilization rate of those services. Recommendation #4: r� THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MONITOR IMMIGRANT-RELATED L� STATE AND FEDERAL POLICIES AND LEGISLATION THAT MAY RESTRICT r OR LIMIT COUNTY OPERATIONS AND SERVICES. `- A changing policy environment necessitates monitoring of and response to 9 9 P Y 9 P proposed policy and legislation. The direction of the debate over immigration will determine critically important issues — the numbers of people who will immigrate, whether or not services will be provided, and the extent to which the local economy will be impacted. Importantly, the debate will influence the positive or negative relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants. 16 The following are some of the critical issues now being debated to which the Board of Supervisors can encourage fair and effective policy approaches: • Health Care The health care reform plans which have been considered by Congress — would make it difficult or impossible for the undocumented to continue to be covered by employers. Yet, according to an INS study done in 1992, half of undocumented immigrants have private health insure provided by employers - (46%) or through individual purchase (4%). Interest groups have proposed ways to provide health care for undocumented; levying a tax on industries with the highest percentage of undocumented, establishing a limited package of services and creating a permanent State Legislation Assistance Grant (SLAG) to assist states, to name a few. In California, AB 418, if it had passed, would have eliminated pregnancy related services for undocumented; AB 418 is up for reconsideration. Contra Costa County's participation in partnerships with other counties and the State would enhance the support of federal legislation level to make the federal government reimburse the State for pregnancy-related medical services and _ to see that HHS reverses its decision to allow states to choose not to provide pre-natal care for the undocumented. i • Social Services 'i Federal Legislation HR 4 would negatively affect most all immigrants (non- citizens) by making them ineligible for most government programs -- including Medicaid and community health care, SSI, food, shelter and housing assistance, programs for the elderly and the block grant programs to states, including social services child protection, and child care and development. The government estimates that denying benefits to immigrants will result in savings of $3.7 billion. But, a reduction on the federal level will shift costs to the states and counties with large immigrant populations. California's responses to welfare reform would result in a time limit of two years of cash assistance for all recipients. This proposal is at odds with the current federal mandate that allows refugees in all states welfare eligibility for three to five years. 17 • Affirmative Action r The California Civil Rights Initiative and similar state legislative proposals would eliminate consideration of race and ethnicity in public employment, public contracting, and public college admissions. Immigrants and their children may face limited educational and employment opportunities as a result of these proposals. (� In addition to the above issues, problems of immigration are seeping into almost L every policy discussion, including earthquake disaster response and the crime bill. Significantly states having the largest number of immigrants hold more than Ca third of the House of Representatives' membership. An approach to policy and legislation favorable to the full integration of immigrants is vital to ensuring that all members of society, even the most weak and vulnerable, can benefit equally from basic services and be given the opportunity to participate fully in the fabric of our society. Recommendation #5: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP EFFORTS. As a proposed legislation restricting the basic rights of immigrants increases, legalized permanent residents face becoming an excluded underclass unless they become United States Citizens. By becoming citizens and exercising the right to vote, immigrants become full participants in community life. The Board of Supervisors can partner with immigrant organizations, churches, and non- profits to encourage, promote, and facilitate citizenship efforts -- citizenship outreach, naturalization counseling, group application processing, and testing. The INS is already swamped with applications due to the eligibility of the many L, people who become permanent residents through the legalization programs. It is the role and responsibility of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to perform naturalization, yet although the INS budget was increased 25% this year, naturalization services got very little of it. At our local INS office in San Francisco, the wait for an interview is up to 15 months and is growing. The Federal Government must be encouraged to make Naturalization a high priority in future INS budgets. The Board of Supervisors' continued awareness and support of citizenship needs will do much to further the efforts to change immigrants into fully participating and accepted citizens of Contra Costa County. 18 Recommendation #6: THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPOINT A NEWCOMERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS. If the work of the Newcomers Task Force continues as an advisory committee, it would assist the county staff in writing proposals to foundations for funding of the countywide study of immigrant contributions and the study of services. The K proposals would seek funding for both staffing needs and materials to conduct the research. The advisory committee would include several individuals from the private sector, community organizations and the county with special expertise in this area. The advisory committee will also be responsible for implementing the remaining task force recommendations and other issues related to the immigrant population. 19 APPENDIX #1 Percent of Foreign Born and Native Born, Contra Costa County & California #2 Top Six Foreign Born Populations, Contra Costa County & California #3 Foreign Born by World Region, Contra Costa County & California #4 Foreign Born Distribution by Region, Contra Costa County ' #5 Percent of Total Foreign Born in Contra Costa County by Region #6 Foreign Born by World Region, Contra Costa County #7 Occupations of Legal Foreign Immigrants to Contra Costa County & California, 1991 #8 Occupations Held by Foreign Born Persons in Contra Costa County, 1990, By Year of Entry #9 Occupations Held by Foreign Born Persons in Contra Costa County, 1990, By World Region #10 Public Assistance Recipients by Primary Language Spoken, Contra Costa County, April 1993 #11 Contra Costa County Public School Languages, 1992-93, Primary Languages Other than English #12 AFDC Recipients in Contra Costa County by Languages Spoken, April 1993 z 1 CJ I APPENDIX #1 c L- 0 o L m O �N •� N 0 O co ...........} (D .............. ................ ............ m :............:...:::::::..:.. .............. . n U) cu.......................... ........... 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