What seems like a simple question — How many Hispanics are living in the United States? — has become surprisingly complex as the 2010 census approaches.
Hispanics and other minorities have historically been undercounted in the once-a-decade survey. Advocacy groups are now launching their traditional efforts to ensure an accurate count, but a variety of factors have created new problems for the painting of America's official portrait.
Activists and government officials say fears over immigration enforcement and government snooping are making people more reluctant to share their information. The economic meltdown and Bush administration budget cuts have slowed funding for the census. Millions of laid-off renters and foreclosed homeowners are on the move. READ FULL STORYRead more…
A legal advocacy group launched an education and awareness campaign Wednesday encouraging Latinos in 11 Midwest states to participate in the 2010 Census.
The campaign by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Chicago — including fliers in Spanish and English and door-to-door visits — is one among several advocacy groups nationwide working to ensure minorities are accurately counted.
"This is one of the most important civil rights issues," said Elisa Alfonso, a director of the group's Midwest office in Chicago. "This is what gives you access to voting and funding." READ FULL STORYRead more…
One influential group of Latino evangelical pastors said it would call for a census boycott among undocumented immigrants. Not everyone is on board.
Latino evangelical leaders, who wield tremendous clout in immigrant communities, are sharply divided on the 2010 Census.
The rift developed earlier this month after one influential group of pastors said it would call for a census boycott among undocumented immigrants as a bargaining chip in their demands for comprehensive immigration reform.
"The boycott idea's spreading like fire," said Rev. Miguel Ángel Rivera, president of the Washington, D.C.-based National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, or CONLAMIC for its Spanish acronym. "It's the only thing that will make politicians sit up and listen." READ FULL STORYRead more…
