The County of Santa Clara launched a multilingual media campaign on Monday to reaffirm its support for immigrants and those under threat from the Donald Trump Administration’s policies to information and resources.
The “One County One Future” campaign reflects the County’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents, regardless of immigration status. It will feature print, digital, TV, radio and transit (VTA) advertising in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Tagalog.
The campaign conveys that immigrants are a vital part of Santa Clara County and that, no matter where you were born or what language you speak, everyone shares the same dreams. It also serves to assure members of the immigrant community that County services remain available to them and have been reinforced to provide additional layers of support.
Santa Clara County is incredibly diverse, with a population that speaks more than 100 languages and dialects. Immigrants comprise 40.6% of the population and are essential to the vibrancy of our culture and economy, County officials said.
The County provides a range of programs and services to the nearly 2 million people who call the place home. One of the County’s roles is assisting immigrants, refugees and people seeking asylum.
This includes helping them understand their rights and responsibilities.
The County invests about $5.9 million per year in immigration-related programs and services. In addition, it has set aside $5 million this fiscal year to bolster its capacity to defend the immigrant community and all targeted groups, including members of the LGBT+ community, from the policies of the current federal administration.
Among these services is the Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network (RNN), which provides real-time support to residents during interactions with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as well as support after an arrest or detention.
The County has created a “One County One Future” webpage that serves as a portal for information about the RRN and other services. This webpage is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog and Punjabi.
“As an immigrant myself, I understand the emotions and uncertainty many members of our community may be feeling right now,” said Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee, District 3, in a release. “I reassure you, Santa Clara County: We have your back, your rights will never be compromised, and you will still be supported by your County.”
Despite what’s happening in Washington, DC, immigrants will always be protected here in Santa Clara County, said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, District 1.
“The leaders of this County are committed to ensuring that everyone is safe, feels welcome, and has the resources they need to succeed,” Lee said.
District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong said one of the County’s greatest strengths is how it welcomes immigrants.
“This community welcomed my family when they fled the horrors of the Vietnam War, along with tens of thousands of others,” she said. “As a nation, the best way to solve our problems is with openness and understanding, not division and hate.”
