Myths and Facts
Leading up to the Census, there was a lot of misinformation about what type of questions the Census would ask. The final version only includes 9 questions. Here are some myth busting facts about the Census.
Myth: The Census will ask about my citizenship status.
Fact: False! The 2020 Census does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen.
Myth: Non-citizens cannot be counted in the census.
Fact: False! Everyone counts. The 2020 Census counts everyone living in the country, including non-citizens. Not sure if you should be counted, learn more here from the 2020 Census.
Myth: Can my answers be shared with law enforcement or used against me?
Fact: No! The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits. Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential. That’s every answer, to every question.
Myth: I will be asked for my social security number.
Fact: False! During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask you for:
- Your social security number;
- Money or donations;
- Anything on behalf of a political party;
- Your bank or credit card account numbers.
