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Hispanic Caucus Responds to Calls for Boycott of Census
(Washington DC) - The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is responding to statements from several organizations urging some immigrants to boycott the 2010 Census. Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Chairwoman of the CHC, stated the following in response to those statements:
"The CHC has been working since the last census wrapped up nearly 9 years ago to ensure a fair and equal count in 2010. The next decade will be dictated by these numbers, and they must provide an accurate portrait of our nation and the needs of its diverse communities. To not be counted would have political implications and jeopardize vital resources, including federal funding for schools, health care, job training and infrastructure."
Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, 1st Vice Chair of the CHC and Chair of the group's Civil Rights, Veterans and Worker Protections Task Force, offered the following response to calls for a boycott:
"There's no doubt about it, the Hispanic community must stand together and be counted in the 2010 census. Boycott groups are uniting and bringing attention to the important issue of immigration reform, though well intentioned, their efforts are failing to take into account the long-term implications of their actions. 2010 census numbers will affect the daily lives of all Hispanics throughout the next ten years; we must not let this important opportunity for representation pass us by.
It is vital for all people, especially minorities, to be counted. Census numbers help decide the number of U.S. House members each state is entitled to have and provide the private sector with necessary data to make business investments in specific communities, both of which, will have a dramatic impact on our nations future. The Obama administration continues to move forward on immigration reform and we must have patience as we develop comprehensive solutions. It will continue to take time, but in the meanwhile we should encourage everyone to be counted in the 2010 census."
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