With September 30 deadline looming, Asians have last chance to be counted in the 2020 Census

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Asians, including those of Indian origin, in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, as well as in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Hawaii could lose out on community resources for the next 10 years if they are under-counted because they did not fill up the Census 2020 form.

The Census Bureau is making a final push this week to close the remaining gap on census response rates of Asian Americans, including the those of Indian and South Asian origin.

Nationally, four out of 10 U.S. households have not filled out the census. In other words, the response rate is less than 65%. Everyone in the community needs to be counted by Sept. 30.

More than 30 organizations and 20 ‘influencers’ have committed to mobilizing their communities during the 2020 Census Asian Week of Action, which is taking place this week, Aug. 24 to 30.

These organizations, including civic engagement groups, social service providers, and e-commerce brands, are urging people to respond to the census because so much is at stake for our communities

Due to COVID-19, it has become more challenging to conduct local outreach, but these 2020 Census partner organizations and influencers are helping to fill the gap, a press release said.

They are using their ‘circles of influence’ to get a more complete count. It’s a key reason why the U.S. Census Bureau has decided to call upon them for the 2020 Census Asian Week of Action, the press release said.

Those helping with the push specialize in working with the hardest-to-count populations, such as people with proficiency in different languages, young people who move often, babies and young children, and the 50+ population.

With the impact of COVID-19, Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham said in an Aug. 14 statement: “We are taking steps and adapting our operations to make sure everyone is counted, while keeping everyone safe.”

As part of their operational adjustments, the Census Bureau is sending out census takers to help households complete their questionnaires. Census takers have been trained to follow public health guidelines and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while making these in-person visits.

Dillingham stressed the urgency: “If you haven’t responded, the time to respond is now! Responding to the 2020 Census online, on paper, by phone, or in person with a census taker, helps secure vital resources for your community.”

The Asian Indian community is in danger of not getting its fair share of resources over the next decade and there is only one month left to make an impact, say organizers.

If people are undercounted, states could lose thousands of dollars in public funding per person every year for emergency services, education, health facilities, road improvements, and other benefits.

The community is also at risk of losing political representation, including Congressional seats.

“The future of the Asian American community starts right now. Don’t wait any longer,” says the press release.

To respond online, visit 2020census.gov. To respond in English (for 50 states and Washington, D.C.) by phone, call 844-330-2020