The Census comes around every 10 years - but Black people are expected to be WAY undercounted in 2020. That might have to do with these myths:
Myth 1: The Census doesn’t impact me personally
An accurate Census count could have a HUGE impact on your life! The Census determines who your elected representatives are, AND who gets over $800 BILLION in federal spending on health care, education, housing, transportation, and more.
Myth 2: The Feds will get my information or share it with law enforcement
This isn’t true, and the Census is 100% confidential! Your Census responses “cannot be used to determine eligibility for government benefits and can never be shared with immigration enforcement agencies or law enforcement,” and that’s in the Constitution!
Myth 3: I don’t have to respond if I don’t want to
Responding is required by law and is even laid out in the constitution! If you try to dip on your census duties, they will send you multiple reminders, send mail, and even come by your house to help you fill it out.
Myth 4: Only certain people, like U.S. citizens, have to participate
The Constitution requires an accurate count of “the whole number of persons in each State.” That means EVERYONE - undocumented immigrants, that cousin staying in grandma’s basement, your friend from Nigeria here on a student visa - EVERYONE.
Remember these myths when it’s time to take the Census. Your participation matters - and impacts the entire community!