Information Alert

Politics, Media, and Interfaith Since 2002

See our blog for expanded analysis on these topics and more - also provide your own commentary!:
Why Muslims Need to Fill out the U.S. Census Form
IIC Supports Healthcare Reform as Positive “First Step”
IIC Participates in Immigration Reform Rally
We don’t honor God when 4,500 children die every day

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(WASHINGTON DC -- MARCH 31, 2010) IIC calls upon all Americans to properly complete the Census form and return it promptly to the Census Department. The U.S. Constitution requires that a census be taken of the American people every 10 years. The purpose is to determine the number of representatives in the U.S. Congress and to allocate federal funds appropriate to the needs of different communities.

Like many of their fellow citizens, Muslim and Arab Americans have concerns about the census, however it is the belief of IIC that there is nothing to worry about, and all parties should participate.

What is often misconstrued among the American-Muslim and Arab population is what their information will be used for. Based on the Census, every year the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state, local, and tribal governments. Several faith-based organizations use the census data to apply for grants and determine locations for new facilities. Additionally, Census data from Muslims affects their voice in Congress, including redistricting of state legislations, county and city councils. In order to promote and encourage public and civic engagement among the American Muslim community, it is vital for every Muslim household to complete and mail in the census form in order to get their voices heard and counted.

The growth of Islamic awareness has exponentially inclined over the past 25 years. Current estimates show that there are more than 8 million Muslims in the United States. This growing population is largely an effect of immigration, high birth rates, and an astounding conversion rate.

The world's most eminent Grand Ayatollahs and other Respected Scholars have commented on the issue of participating on projects such as the Census, and their responses have been compiled by the Liaison Office of Grand Ayatollah Sistani:

His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani
His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sheikh al-Fayadh (English)
His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sheikh al-Fayadh (Original)
His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sheikh Lutfu Allah al-Safi (English)
His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sheikh Lutfu Allah al-Safi (Original)
His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sheikh Nasir Makarim al-Shirazi (English)
His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sheikh Nasir Makarim al-Shirazi (Original)

Furthermore, the U.S. Census does not inquire a person’s faith or religion; rather, they ask each person’s ethnicity and heritage. Because the Muslim community makes up a diverse subset of the American population, filling out the census can only work in favor of the growing Muslim population in America.

Each household will receive Census forms by mid-March, and people are asked to complete and return the form by April 1. Every person in the household should fill out the form; young, old, and everyone in between. If they are not mailed back in a timely manner, then Census employees will then begin making house visits starting April 1.

The census does not ask about a person’s occupation and all information is protected. The Census does ask that all people include any relatives and friends even if temporarily staying at your address on that day. To make it easier for US residents, Census Bureau have translated many forms and instructions and other information in many languages, including Arabic and Urdu.
Important Census dates:

• March 2010: Census questionnaires delivered (some people may receive a save-the-date first)
• April 1, 2010: CENSUS DAY – FILL IT OUT & Send your questionnaire back! Encourage others to do the same.
• May 2010 – July 2010: Census takers follow up with households that did not return questionnaires
• December 31, 2010: U.S Census Bureau delivers apportionment counts to the president.