U.S. Census Bureau Offers Language Assistance Services To Help Arab Americans Complete the 2010 Census Form

The Census Bureau has launched the 2010 Census Language Assistance Program to help residents in the Arab-American community complete their English-language census form. Building on the success of the Census 2000 Language Assistance Program, the Census Bureau is offering several resources to help each community achieve an accurate 2010 Census count. The Language Assistance Program will help reduce the cost of the 2010 Census by decreasing the number of census takers that must go door-to-door to assist residents who do not complete and mail back their form.

Language Assistance Guides are available upon request in 59 languages, including Arabic, and are used to explain how to complete an English-language census form. Residents can find these guides at their local Questionnaire Assistance Centers.  The guide is also available to read, download or print at www.2010Census.gov. 

This website also includes an informational video in Arabic explaining step-by-step instructions for filling out the census form.   In addition, Arabic-speakers can call Telephone Questionnaire Assistance at1-866-872-6868 after February 25 to request to be sent an Arabic Language Assistance Guide.  Residents should be aware that there will not be any Arabic speaking agents via Telephone Questionnaire Assistance.

The Census Bureau encourages state and local government officials, as well as community leaders, to help their community receive its fair share of federal funding by driving local, targeted awareness campaigns that will reach the hard to count populations. Local leaders might speak the language and know the pulse of the local community, and can help ensure that everyone has the ability to participate in the 2010 Census. For example, the Arab-American Institute (AAI) is providing resources for Arab-Americans on their website, www.aaiusa.org.

Residents can contact their Regional Census Center for a list of local Questionnaire Assistance Centers if they need assistance in completing the census form. Those who feel that they may not have been counted can visit a Be Counted site to obtain a census form.

About the 2010 Census

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census questionnaire will be one of the shortest in U.S. history and consists of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide.