As the 2010 national census approaches, census workers, local community groups and governments in Merced County are working hard to prepare to make sure everyone in Merced County is counted.
But one major unknown remains -- those populations that often go uncounted.
The large chunk of non-English speaking and undocumented people in Merced County will make it even harder for local census workers to make sure they get counted. They are often loath to participate in anything to do with the government out of fear and mistrust.
Counting these people is important since every person counted in the census equals roughly $1,300 in annual federal dollars. The count also helps determine new congressional and local political districts.
"It is crucial that everyone get counted," said Sallie Ayala-Perez with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEAO), a group helping with local census outreach to the Latino community.
"Right now there's added fear -- not just with Latinos," said Ayala-Perez. Many documented and undocumented Latinos fear or distrust the government -- any government, she said. They want to steer clear of any official for a number of reasons, she added. Many of the countries that Latinos come from are very corrupt and they carry that negative idea of government when they come here. In addition, she said, many Latinos have not had positive interactions with the U.S. government either.
Francisco Mendoza, a field coordinator in Planada for Golden Valley Health Centers, agreed with Ayala-Perez. Mendoza said it will be especially difficult to get field workers to participate in the census. "They don't want to deal with anyone who is in the government," he said. "They don't want trouble."
Despite these hurdles, Jesse Rodriguez who is heading up the U.S. Census Bureau's efforts in Madera and Merced counties, said they are preparing for such roadblocks.
"The U.S. government says we have to count everybody," said Rodriguez. "We're not interested in legalities, we're only interested in numbers." None of the information collected is shared with anyone, he added. "It is safe, it is easy and it's important for the community." he said.
Every time a city applies for funds it's based on their census numbers, he said.
The Census Bureau estimated that in 2008 Latinos made up 52 percent of Merced County's population.
Every 10 years the federal government is constitutionally mandated to count every person living in the U.S. whether they are citizens or not. A 10 question census survey will be sent out via the mail and is due April 1. If the survey is not completely filled out or not received, a Census Bureau worker will come to your house. Personal information on the census survey is protected and not released for 72 years.
Reporter Jonah Owen Lamb can be reached at (209) 385-2484 or jlamb@mercedsun-star.com.
E-Mail
Print
