“WHEN IT COMES to the 2020 Census, many Latino congregants say, ‘Look, I know how important this is, I know what’s at stake, but I don’t feel comfortable sharing this much information about my home.’
Right now there is no trust in government. The anti-immigrant rhetoric and action from Washington has unleashed serious fear in our community. And not just among the undocumented: If I’m a U.S. citizen and I live with someone who is still in the process of citizenship, I am not going to open that door.
That’s why churches and clergy play such an immense role: You trust your pastor, you trust the church. If they’re telling you ‘Your information is safe’ and ‘Look, I’m doing it also,’ it gives you a sense of comfort.
Under the leadership of Rev. Raúl Ruiz, the New Jersey Latino Pastors and Ministers Coalition has launched the Uno Más Tú Cuentas campaign. We’re asking pastors to address the Census from the pulpit—not just ‘here’s a special announcement.’ We’re asking congregants to stay for coffee in the community room and complete the Census form through tablets and phones.
The reason we migrate to this country is because we understand that getting our kids educated is the only way to dramatically change the course of our families. That’s why the urgency of the Census resonates: It comes down to whether our child is going to be able to be funded for the Head Start program, whether our child’s school has enough resources, whether my child who qualifies for free lunch will have it or not.”
Wendy Martinez spoke with Sojourners associate editor Betsy Shirley about the fear many Latinos still have about the 2020 U.S. Census, even though the citizenship question was removed.
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