Poll: Close to 9 in 10 Latinos to fill out census

What boycott? Close to 9 in 10 Hispanics say they intend to participate in the 2010 census, with immigrants more likely to say the government count is good for their community and that personal information will be kept confidential, according to a new poll.

The Pew Hispanic Center survey, being released Thursday, appears largely to put aside concerns that Hispanic discontent with the government's slow progress on immigration reform will curtail participation in the high-stakes count now underway. The National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders has suggested a Hispanic boycott of the census to protest the lack of action on immigration.

Hispanics, who make up roughly 15 percent of the nation's population, still tend to lag behind other racial groups when it comes to mailing in census forms. But the latest survey suggests the numbers may be improving and that, contrary to conventional notions, the hardest-to-reach may not be fearful immigrants but rather disenchanted Hispanics born in the U.S.

The findings come as 52 percent of people the U.S. have sent in their census forms leading into the April 1 "Census Day" on Thursday. Census Bureau director Robert Groves this week is urging several regions to step up their response. They include five states with higher shares of minority or indigenous populations that ranked at the bottom: Alaska, New Mexico, Louisiana, New York and Texas, each with participation rates of 41-46 percent.

"We are ignoring the native-born Latino population," said Arturo Vargas, executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, noting that a similar pattern is seen in Hispanic voting.

Note: The following text is a quote:

www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-census-day

Home • Briefing Room • Presidential Actions • Proclamations

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release April 01, 2010
Presidential Proclamation—Census Day

A PROCLAMATION

Since our Nation’s earliest days, the census has played an important role in identifying where resources are most needed. This procedure, enshrined in our Constitution, informs our Government’s responses to the evolving needs of American communities. By completing this year’s survey, we can ensure they receive adequate funding for schools, hospitals, senior centers, and other public works projects. The 2010 Census will also aid employers in selecting locations for new factories and businesses as our economy recovers. On Census Day, I urge all Americans to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the 2010 Census.

While the first United States census surveyed a young country with fewer than 4 million people, this year’s census will assess a Nation of over 300 million.

America’s diversity defines our national character, yet, in the past, the census has too often undercounted minorities, young people, and low-income residents. As our Nation grows, getting the count right will help ensure that our families and neighbors receive the services they need, and accurate and proportional representation in the United States House of Representatives.

The 2010 Census is safe and easy to complete, and the Census Bureau aggressively protects all census participants’ private information, which is never used against them or shared with other government or private entities. By mailing the Census form back, we help save taxpayer dollars and ensure that all Americans get the support they deserve and a voice in our democracy.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 1, 2010, as Census Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day by completing their census form and mailing it back.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

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