Every 10 years, the United States conducts a “Decennial Census.” The goal of the census is to count every person who lives in the country where they live. This includes people of all ages and citizenship statuses. The census is mandated in the Constitution and it is required by law that you respond. Traditionally, every household would get a form in the mail that is filled out with information about everyone who lives in the house. You then send the form back.

If people do not fill out and submit the census, then people called “Enumerators” will come to your home and ask for the information directly. The 2020 Census will be asking people to fill out the information either on a form they receive in the mail or via an online, internet form.