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Frequently asked questions

About the U.S. Census

The 2010 U.S. Census provides the Iranian community in the United States the opportunity to stand up and be counted. Mandated by the United States Constitution, the Census is an official count of everyone residing in the United States that occurs every 10 years and includes people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups regardless of citizenship status.

The Census is used as a benchmark for businesses, professional organizations, and government officials in determining how social services are allocated, the influence of a minority community, and funding for critical community programs.

According to the 2000 Census, only 338,000 individuals were classified as Iranian-Americans, while the actual number is believed to be at least two or three times larger.

It's time we are accurately counted as Iranians / Iranian-Americans in the 2010 U.S. Census. Let's not wait another 10 years!

top 10 questions about the census

1. What is the U.S. Census?
2. When is it taking place?
3. How is it different for Iranians / Iranian-Americans?
4. Why do Iranians / Iranian-Americans need to be counted?
5. What are the Benefits to Iranians / Iranian Americans?
6. Are my answers confidential?
7. How long does it take to complete the form?
8. Do I have to be a citizen or permanent resident to take the 2010 Census?
9. Where can I obtain the 2010 Census form?
10. What is the deadline for submitting my 2010 Census form?

1. What is the U.S. Census?
The Census is the count of everyone in the U.S., including citizens, visa holders, and illegal aliens every 10 years. Back to Top >

2. When is it taking place?
Census 2010 forms are mailed on March 15-17 with a return deadline of April 1, 2010. From April through July, Census workers will visit homes that did not return the forms. Back to Top >

3. How is it different for Iranians / Iranian-Americans?
The way Iranians can be counted is not only by taking the Census, but also by checking "some other race" and writing in "Iranian" or "Iranian-American" on question #9 on the Census form.

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4. Why do Iranians / Iranian-Americans need to be counted?
According to the 2000 Census, there were 338,000 Americans of Iranian descent. The actual number is believed to be at least two or three times larger. Back to Top >

5. What are the Benefits to Iranians / Iranian Americans?
Showing the growth of the community translates into increased influence and recognition within American society.

• Awareness: It could designate Iranians as a minority (like Chinese, Hispanics, etc), which helps Employment, University Admission, and Loan Qualifications.
• Financial: Iranians could receive funding for community specific work.
• Political: Numbers translate into power. Elected officials target ethnic constituencies to solicit their feedback and votes. Public Service: Some local, state and national organizations are required to provide services that address the needs of their community. (i.e., Persian Speaking Nurses)
• Civic Uses: Ethnic organizations depend wholly on ancestry data to identify, locate and mobilize their constituencies; civil rights agencies also require ancestry data to monitor discrimination based on national origin.
• Research Uses: Social scientists, journalists and other researchers rely on census and ACS data to study ethnic population groups, demographic trends, and economic and educational mobility. Back to Top >

6. Are my answers confidential?
Yes. By Law, the Census Bureau uses the data for statistical purposes only and cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including tax and immigration agencies. All Census Bureau employees have taken an oath for life to protect confidentiality of census responses. Violations would result in jail terms of up to five years and/or fines of up to $250,000. Back to Top >

7. How long does it take to complete the form?
The Census questionnaire only takes 10 minutes to complete. Back to Top >

8. Do I have to be a citizen or permanent resident to take the 2010 Census?
No. The Census is a count of everyone in the United States, regardless of whether they are a citizen, visa-holder, or illegal alien. Back to Top >

9. Where can I obtain the 2010 Census form?
The Census Bureau will mail or deliver questionnaires to your home, starting March 15-17, 2010. They will mail a second form to households that do not respond to the initial questionnaire. Households that still do not respond will be called or visited by a Census worker. Click here for a sample questionnaire form. Back to Top >

10. What is the deadline for submitting my 2010 Census form?
April 1, 2010. From April through July 2010, census takers will visit homes that did not return the form to the Census Bureau. Back to Top >

Still have more questions?
Download Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ (English) - PDF
Download Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ (Persian) - PDF
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