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READING LEVEL 6
We Count, Count Us!
Jeannette Jimenez
In 2020, the U.S. government will hold a census. I want to make a call to all people, especially the immigrant community. Please participate without any fear!
The census counts all the people living in the country, and this information tells the federal government how to distribute funds for each state.These funds benefit all people. If we do not participate in the next census, we could lose funds that help create new schools, hospitals, fire stations, and more.
I want to tell my immigrant people that the U.S. Census Bureau will not share your information under any circumstances. They will not ask about your citizenship status. They will not ask if you are an immigrant.Title 13 of the U.S. Code says that the Census Bureau cannot share your information. For this reason, do not be afraid to participate.
You can complete the 2020 Census on the web, by telephone, in person, or by mail. Thanks to the last census, we know that in 2010, the Latino community represented 11% of the people living in Washington, DC.Since then, the number has increased. We need to participate because we count, so count us!
Jeannette Jimenez is an ESL Hospitality student at the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.