November 22, 2019
The U.S. Census, set to be distributed in mid-March, is one of the most important events taking place in 2020. An undercount in the 2020 Census puts New York at risk of losing seats in the House of Representatives, which will impact broader legislation and leadership, as well as billions of dollars in federal funding to support resource allocations for communities throughout the nation. Neighborhoods throughout New York City, particularly those with concentrations of immigrant communities in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx are at high risk of an undercount. As a culturally and linguistically competent, community-based organization and as a trusted resource for immigrants and refugees throughout New York City, AAFSC is committed to ensuring an accurate count in Census 2020.
Marginalized immigrants including Arab, Middle Eastern, and South Asian communities cannot afford to lose already limited resource allocations. As an organization that intimately understands the extent of community needs, ensuring an accurate count in the 2020 Census matters deeply to us. Arabic and Bengali are among the top 10 languages spoken by foreign-born NYC residents who do not use English at home. Estimates of NYC’s Arab population range upward of 100,000, with the largest community in Brooklyn (nearly 40,000) and the second-largest in Queens (over 20,000).[1] Over 300,000 South Asians live in NYC, with the largest concentration in Queens.[2] Over 300,000 South Asians live in NYC, with the largest concentration in Queens.[3] And, we know these numbers are likely very conservative estimates. Immigrant communities live in some of the hardest-to-count areas of New York City, including Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Jackson Heights, and Flushing – all neighborhoods we serve. (See Map 2010 Undercount Map)
We know that many Arab, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and other immigrant community members are either suspicious and fearful of the census or are unaware of its importance. Many of our community members have told us that they fear the census will be used to target immigrants and could result in deportation and family separation. This is no surprise. The families we serve are already dealing with deportation and family separation daily.
For the first time in census history, participants will have the option to fill out the form online and the online form is offered in 12 languages. However, many New Yorkers do not have access to a computer or digital device on which to complete the form. Many will also need assistance with translation of the questions. For those who are socially isolated or have experienced discrimination, we know that community-based organizations like the Arab-American Family Support Center will be critical in this endeavor.
As an organization, we will be conducting extensive outreach to highlight that the census is safe and we will encourage all community members to participate.
Additionally, The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring more than half a million people to help support the 2020 Census, and they’re looking for people just like you. You could make up to $30 an hour (pay rate by location here) as a census taker, recruiting assistant, office clerk, or supervisory staff.
If you or someone you know has any concerns or questions relating to the Census, call us at 718-643-8000.
[1] Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism in NYC Leading up to and following the 2016 Presidential Election: NYC Commission on Human Rights, June 2018.
[2] “The South Asian Community in the United States and New York City,” NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health, 2018.
[3] “The South Asian Community in the United States and New York City,” NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health, 2018.
