As the U.S. enters the last quarter for filling out the 2020 Census, only 59% of New Yorkers have self-responded.  In the coming weeks, being counted in the United States 2020 Census is the single most important thing Sikhs and other minorities can do to ensure their civil rights are protected and schools and other community services are adequately funded.  UNITED SIKHS is helping underrepresented communities and the Sikh community by spreading the word about the 2020 Census and encourages everyone to get counted.

There is still time for Sikh American households to complete and submit the United States 2020 Census.  It can be filled out in several ways:

1) by completing the census online,

2) by mail,

3) by phone.

In addition, beginning August 11, 2020, the majority of Census offices across the country also began follow-up work.  The role of the Census takers who visit homes is to assist everyone to complete the Census.  “We need all New Yorkers to get counted to ensure our communities get a fair share of federal funding for schools, hospitals, housing, and that we get the representation in Congress that we deserve,” states Nick Gulotta, Director of Outreach & Organizing, New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “All responses to the Census are completely confidential and this confidentiality is protected by federal law.  The Census taker and the Census Bureau cannot share your responses with anyone – not immigration; not the police; not your landlord; not even with the City of New York,” say representatives of the Mayor’s Office.

The Census workers WILL NEVER ask for any of the following:

• Your Social Security number.
• Your immigration status.
• Your bank account or credit card numbers.
• Anything on behalf of a political party.
• Money or donations.

If you suspect fraud, call the Census at 844-330-2020. 

In the past, the Sikh community has not been counted by the U.S. Census as a distinct ethnic group because Sikhs were only counted in the general Asian/Indian category.  An historic first, thanks in great part to UNITED SIKHS’ years of advocacy in Congress and with the U.S. Census Bureau, Sikhs will now be able to self-identify by writing in “Sikh” on the Census form and should do so for each and every member of the family.  “Complete and accurate numbers and data will lead to more representation and funding for the essential services needed in Sikh and other minority and underrepresented neighborhoods,” states Ms. Sanchez Day, National Legal Director at UNITED SIKHS.

The consequences of the Census undercounting already underserved minority communities can be extremely detrimental. UNITED SIKHS has been fighting for the legal rights of minority groups and this is a unique opportunity for the Sikh community to advocate for itself.  “Sikhs must make themselves count by filling out the Census forms because, by participating in the Census, the community can create positive change and make sure Sikhs have more educational, housing and employment opportunities and a brighter future. So make sure you check some other race and write in SIKH. Get Yourself Counted!,” states Mr. Jasmit Singh, Director of Advocacy, UNITED SIKHS. 

UNITED SIKHS urges all members of the community to mail, pick up the telephone or get behind your computer and answer the Census today.

To learn more about the 2020 U.S. Census, please visit this website  

For any questions or assistance please reach out to UNITED SIKHS Census Support at census@unitedsikhs.org or 1.888.243.1690.

Issued by:
International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy Team
law-usa@unitedsikhs.org
1.888.243.1690