Remedios Gómez Arnau, Consul General of Mexico

Dear readers and compatriots, I want to share information that is of great importance to you—who live in this country—such as the national Census that will be carried out this year. The first thing you should know is that the Census is safe and confidential, and by law, the information collected cannot be shared with any other government agency, including immigration authorities, the FBI or the police.

The 2020 Census will count all people living in the United States and its territories, regardless of place of origin or immigration status, and it is very important that you participate, since the Constitution mandates that all the people who live here are counted  every 10 years. 

Participating is of utmost importance because the data obtained in the Census dictates the distribution of more than $675 billion of federal funds, subsidies, and support to states, counties, and communities. Those resources are used for schools, hospitals, highways, public works, and other vital programs.

Many of you, even without documents, pay taxes. In the state of California alone, undocumented people contribute more than $3 billion in taxes annually that contribute to these programs.

Census data is also used to support decision-making in community initiatives. Companies use the data to decide where to build factories, offices and shops, which then create jobs. For their part, local governments use Census data to improve public safety and emergency preparedness; while, real estate builders use Census data to build new homes and revitalize neighborhoods.

The 2020 Census is a very simple questionnaire that asks some basic questions such as age, sex, and the number of people who live or stay at home. In mid-March, households will begin receiving an official email from the Census Bureau with detailed information on how to respond to Census 2020. By April 1 of this year, each household will receive an invitation to participate in it.

The form can also be answered in three ways: online; by phone; by mail. A simple video lays out a step-by-step guide on how to fill it out, using these methods. Keep in mind that those who do not answer the Census in March or April will be visited at their homes during the month of May; so it’s easiest to answer the questionnaire within the first two months.

Starting in March 2020, you can begin answering Census questions. For more information you can visit 2020census.gov/es.

The Census is much more than just a count, it is the opportunity for our Mexican community to have a better future. Participate. Everyone counts!