Census FAQ

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What is the census and why is it conducted?: The census was established in 1790, and is required by the U.S. Constitution once every 10 years. It was created to count everyone living in the United States, regardless of immigration status.
How will I know if I need to participate in the 2010 Census?: By law, every household in the United States must participate in the 2010 Census. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Census forms will be delivered or mailed to households in March 2010. Households should complete and mail back their forms upon receipt.
Who will see the information that I share on my form?: Your responses are completely confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share personal census information with other agencies or organizations including the Immigration and Naturalization Services, the Internal Revenue Services, courts and law enforcement entities. Census Bureau employees may go to jail for revealing personal census information.
Will Census worker come to my door? How will I know them?: Census workers may need to visit your household to update the Census Bureau's address list, deliver a questionnaire or ask you to complete the questionnaire face-to-face. All census workers carry official government badges marked with just their name. You also may ask them for a picture ID from another source to confirm their identity. In addition, some census workers might carry a U. S. Census Workers bag. If you still are not certain about their identity, please call the Regional Census Center toll-free number (214)253-4400 to confirm they are employed by the Census Bureau. TDD: (214)655-5363.
What if I don’t receive a questionnaire?: If you did not receive a questionnaire, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868. The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week from February 25, 2010 through July 30, 2010. For the hearing-impaired, dial TDD: 1-866-783-2010.
Where can I find more information about the 2010 Census?: Please call (210) 207-0230 or (210) 792-8185 or visit the US Census website at http://www.2010census.gov. For Census jobs, contact the Dallas Regional Census Center, please call 1(866) 861-2010 or visit http://www.census.gov/rodal/www.
Email: dallas.recruiting@census.gov.
How do I get a form in Spanish?: For the first time in the Census history, the Census Bureau will automatically mail Census forms in English/Spanish to areas with a large concentration of households reporting Spanish as the primary language. You may also call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1 (866) 872-6868. If you prefer Spanish-speaking operator, then call 1 (866) 928-2010.