myUface Blog

This month, forms for the U.S. census should begin arriving at university campuses across America.  For those of our readers who are currently studying in the U.S., and for the interest of international students generally, we thought we’d share a few quick points about the Census.

1. The purpose of the Census is to obtain an accurate demographic portrait of the nation.  The Census asks a variety of questions in order to understand details about American communities.
2. The Census is used to determine a number of important things – for example, the amount of federal funding a particular town (or university) will receive for certain projects.  For this reason, universities have an incentive to make sure all of their students complete the Census.
3. The Census is taken once every ten years.
4. The Census process is simple:  The Census distributes Census forms to every residence (and dorm room) in the country.  Ideally, those that receive the form fill it out on their own.  In practice, the Census has to send Census takers around to follow up with many households.
5. The Census results are not shared with  law enforcement officials or members of the Dept. of Homeland Security.

Should international students complete a Census form?  Absolutely. The purpose of the Census is to understand who lives and studies in the U.S.  Don’t neglect this opportunity to be counted!