Margaret Baker of South Bay People Power urged supervisors to act because of the economic contributions of immigrant and refugee families, referencing a report published as part of the city of San Diego’s initiative to better welcome refugees and immigrants.

Immigrants make up about a third of San Diego County’s entrepreneurs, generating about $1.4 billion in income, according to the report.

“You need to do more,” Baker told the supervisors. “These are families that are growing and providing to the wealth and prosperity of the county.”

After supervisors moved ahead without adding the office, several speakers said they expected as much from the all-Republican board. They wanted to let supervisors know they intend to keep the pressure up.

Immigration is likely to factor in to at least one county supervisor seat in the November elections. Candidate Nathan Fletcher has included an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Services as part of his platform.

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