Those who have already been counted talk about their experience and encourage the community to participate.
By this time, homes in the United States must have already received their invitation letters by regular mail, the interior of which contains a 12-digit code – between numbers and letters – essential for them to be counted in the 2020 Census.
Imelda Beltrán is one of the residents of Los Angeles County who recently answered the Census questionnaire in order to be counted along with three family members who live with her.
"First I filled out my house and the next day I went to see my mother-in-law, I helped her fill hers," said Beltrán, who was encouraged to answer everything online.
She indicated that the questions were made very easy for her and completing the online census took less than five minutes.
"It's just like eight or nine questions … Like the name of the head of the family, how many people live in the house and their names and dates of birth."
Know the population
Alejandra Vega, 28 years old agrees with Beltrán, and assures that the questions were very easy to answer and took less than six minutes.
"I check my email often and (the invitation) came to me two weeks ago," he said. “I thought it was going to be complicated but everything was very easy because I did it on the computer. I didn't have to send anything (by regular mail). ”
The young woman commented that they ask if the place where you live is rented or their own and also said she understands that some people may be intimidated by the questionnaire since they ask to know the full names of the household members and dates of birth.
However, he clarified that "they do not ask you anything about your immigration status."
Vega says that participating in the Census is important so that the government has statistics, knowledge of its population and who we are as a society "so that there is better social planning and (the authorities) know where to use more educational or health resources."
No immigration questions
Mila Bowen-Villalobos, who is a resident of Lake Balboa in the San Fernando Valley, advised everyone to participate – even those who lack a legal immigration status in the country.
"(When I filled out the Census questionnaire) at no time did they ask for details of the immigration status," he explained.
He also said that it was easy and quick to fill out so "there is little chance of being wrong … It is not confusing," he added. And he also commented that he helped his parents to fulfill this civic duty.
He indicated that in situations like the one we are going through now, with the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, the Census helps to provide the population number for specific areas to eventually distribute aid funds; in addition to where to place more schools, among others.
Now that there is time
Jocelyn Saavedra, 23, a resident of the city of Northridge, was also recently counted.
"It was super easy, especially these days that there is nothing to do there you have 5 minutes to do something," he said, referring to the fact that due to the COVID-19 thousands must remain at home to avoid infections.
"I felt motivated to (fill out the questionnaire) knowing that it is something important for everyone."
The Census is the national count that is carried out every 10 years and is used to determine what services, financed by the government, each neighborhood needs.
These range from schools, medical services, parks and libraries, among others. It also helps to know how many congressmen each state needs. While there are more inhabitants there will be more congressmen to represent them.
Entities responsible for promoting the Census warn the community that it is very important to make themselves known especially at this time that we are facing the situation of the coronavirus COVID-19.
"This global emergency gives us the clear message that we have to register to obtain more money for hospitals and health centers," said Francisco Moreno, spokesman for COFEM —one of the entities that promote the Census.
"Now that we're in quarantine, it's much easier to fill out on the phone or on the computer."
He added that if you do not fill out the form now, "they will send you reminder letters and then (the interviewers) will go … Although it is possible that due to the emergency (of COVID-19) they will go over the date (of the visits)."
Jennie Carreón, assistant vice president of civic engagement at AltaMed – another entity focused on promoting the count – said that with the outbreak of the coronavirus they have been forced to change the information system for people.
"Right now the promoters are working from their homes but they are in charge of calling people to talk about the importance of the census … This not only impacts this difficult moment but also the next 10 years."
Beware of scams
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said participating in the Census is a civil duty but also asked people to be cautious of scammers seeking to steal your personal information.
There are people who send emails posing as representatives of the US Census Bureau and ask for personal information. They may also ask for donations.
"The thieves may also come to your home giving the wrong impression that they are asking for answers to the Census questionnaire," prosecutor Lacey's office said.
"The Census Bureau will never ask you for donations, your Social Security number, or details about your bank account or credit cards."
They also don't send emails. If you receive one, please do not press any link, nor open the attached document. If someone visits you, verify the worker's identity and that they have a photo and mark of the US Department of Commerce with expiration date.
If you suspect criminal activity, call 1 (844) 468-2020 or visit the Census Bureau website in Spanish at: bit.ly/2xzhIoI
With information from Mey Lyn Mitteenn
