Diversity and Communication: Blog Assignment 2

Earlier this year, a prominent Latino religious leader proposed a boycott of the 2010 Census as a way for undocumented immigrants to bring their voices to bear on the immigration debate.

The boycott, pushed by the Rev. Miguel Ángel Rivera of the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, now seems to be gaining momentum in some Latino communities, as well as a higher profile in the ethnic media.

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http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=902f0d8f4b79a80569beaa7a69404b38

Should undocumented immigrants participate in the 2010 census? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe undocumented immigrants should participate in the 2010 census.

I understand the frustration many immigrants are feeling about immigration reform and the delayed agenda from the Obama administration. I am frustrated too, because this debate has come to a stand still, and has left so many stranded without avenues to success. As Ron, Cait, and I discussed in our BlogTalk radio presentation, legal means of gaining rights for undocumented immigrants is of course preferred, but action has to be taken now because this issue is only growing.

However, I do not believe a boycott of the 2010 census is the best way to achieve the goals that leaders like Rev. Miguel Ángel Rivera hope for. I agree with Jorge-Mario Cabrera of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, who says, "It's a well-intentioned strategy, but it's the wrong answer and it will have negative consequences."

The aftermath of such a boycott would be chaotic and costly. The attention drawn from the effort would be lost once again as important leaders try to sort out the mess. And the federal funds that are so precious and few, would once again be spent on tasks other than solving the issue at hand. There are more effective methods for bringing attention to the debate on immigrantion reform. And in order for policy makers and important players to put these other methods into action, correct and thorough infomation will be needed. This information could come from the 2010 census.

"We support the 2010 Census unconditionally because we believe it is the best and safest way to learn the real size of the Brazilian community," said many Brazilian media sources. I believe the same should be true for all immigrant populations.