The Diocese of Little Rock is encouraging every person, especially immigrants, living in Arkansas to fill out the census forms when they arrive in the mail on Census Day April 1.
One of the reasons why the Church is encouraging people is to alleviate their fears so they will participate, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor said. The census information cannot be used by any law enforcement or immigration agencies.
“The census is for everyone, for all those living in the United States, whether citizens or not,” he added. “It is used for the planning of schools and hospitals and other services based on the population. If you are here and have children here, we want to ensure there is enough space in our schools and the public funds needed for such schools.”
Federal funds are distributed among states based on census numbers. These funds also go to colleges and universities in Arkansas.
In January, the bishop sent information on the census to pastors. He said he was leaving it up to each pastor to decide how best to help, such as scheduling parish meetings to help people fill out the census, or to answer any census-related questions, and assist those who cannot read or write well.
“Full participation in this census is important because it serves as the basis for calculating the distribution of public benefits and seats in the House of Representatives,” Taylor wrote in a letter to the priests. “It is important to note that this is a census of all people living in the United States, regardless of their legal status and in order to ensure full participation. Congress has made it a criminal offense to use census data for any non-census purpose, meaning that this information is off-limits to the police department and the immigration authorities. The reason I am writing you today is to enlist your help in reassuring your parishioners — especially your Hispanic parishioners who may be fearful of filling out government forms — and facilitating their participation in the census. You might tell your Hispanic parishioners that this is one way to make their presence felt — once politicians realize how many Hispanics are here, maybe they will do a better job of taking our concerns into account.”
The forms mailed to each household will be in English, but there are Spanish language forms available, he said. However, in order to get a Spanish form, one has to know enough English to read the instructions about how to get a Spanish form.
He suggested parishes have the Spanish form available for those who do not read or write English.
Those preferring a form in Spanish can call toll-free (866) 928-2010 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The United States Constitution requires a national census every 10 years to count all people living in the U.S. and determine the number of seats each state will have in the House of Representatives. The census is also used to determine state senate and house districts.
Every year the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to states and communities, based partly on census data, according to Dr. Robert Groves, director of the U.S. Census Bureau.
The 2010 census questionnaire is easy, important and confidential, according to information from the Census Bureau. The form has 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. It asks important demographic information, such as whether the dwelling unit is rented or owned, the residence address, names, genders, ages and races of people living in the home.
The U.S. Census Bureau will hire around 5,000 temporary workers in Arkansas as enumerators until July. These temporary jobs pay well, and are available in each community, the Census Bureau said.
