HISTORIC VICTORY: SIKHS TO BE COUNTED AS SEPARATE ETHNIC GROUP IN U.S. CENSUS 2020
UN-Associated NGO Announces Historic Advocacy Victory for Inclusion of Sikh Americans in the Decennial United States Complete Count Census as a result of decades of advocacy.
VaaheGuroo Ji Ka Khalsa, VaaheGuroo Ji Ki Fateh
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On January 6, 2020, a follow-up meeting at San Diego State University with the U.S. Census Bureau leadership was conducted as a part of an on-going series of meetings since 2010 asking for the Sikhs to be recognized as a separate ethnic group. UNITED SIKHS today is proud to announce that the United States 2020 Census will include coding for Sikhs, which means that Sikh Americans will be counted as a separate ethnic group. This announcement is a milestone for America's Sikh Community, as this will be the first time the minority group will be counted and coded in the decennial U.S. Census that is conducted every 10 years.
"The Sikh community's efforts have come to fruition. This has paved the way forward nationally not only for the Sikh community but also for other ethnicities in the United States", said Baljeet Singh, President of Sikh Society of San Diego. "This historic announcement is the result of decades of advocacy by UNITED SIKHS at the national level on behalf of the Sikh community. Being involved in this civic engagement will help ensure in having an accurate count of Sikhs in the United States. This data tracks and combats hate crimes against the community. It also ensures equal and accurate representation that provides access to members of Congress and other essential government services," said Jasmit Singh, Advocacy Director, UNITED SIKHS.
In order to be properly counted in the 2020 U.S. Census, UNITED SIKHS is educating the national Sikh community to write in "Sikh" under the ethnic portion. If you prefer to identify as a Sikh American, Sikh Indian or Sikh Pakistani those all will be counted distinctively. The 2020 U.S. Census is active and live. There will be forms mailed to addresses starting now and for the next upcoming months. UNITED SIKHS will be working closely with community members in how to identify themselves and how to properly fill out the form. You are encouraged to reach out to UNITED SIKHS and the Census Bureau if you do not receive a unique identifier code. UNITED SIKHS can advise individuals on a case by case basis.
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