Don't politicize census

The point of conducting the census is to count heads. The numbers guide federal, state and local planning and funding decisions. The more accurate the count, the better.

The once-in-10-years census is a challenging undertaking at best. Some people are reluctant to participate, despite assurances from the Census Bureau that information specific to individuals is not shared with other government agencies. That reluctance has resulted in undercounts of certain ethnic minority groups, which is problematic because government relies on the aggregate data in awarding grants and providing funding for other needed services.

Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, and Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, in separate pieces of legislation, want the 2010 count to ask people whether they are legal citizens. Both Bennett and Chaffetz are concerned some areas may gain extra representation in Congress — and additional funding — if illegal immigrants are included in the counts.

The Census Bureau already has begun printing questionnaires, and it may not be logistically possible to add the question. Even if it were, many illegal immigrants would not participate in the census because of the fear of deportation. Illegal immigrants from Latin American countries tend to have a great distrust of government. Even when they are victims of crime they often refuse to call law enforcement, which means perpetrators of those offenses are not held accountable.

While Bennett and Chaffetz have some legitimate concerns, there also is a political bent to the legislation each seeks. Taking a hard line against illegal immigration is very appealing to conservatives both men need to court in the 2010 state Republican convention. Bennett has said this race is the most challenging since his election to the Senate in 1992.

Even so, obtaining an accurate count should remain the primary goal of the census. That may mean that illegal immigrants are counted, and that's not entirely a bad thing. Should a natural disaster occur, state and municipal leaders need an appropriate level of resources to respond to the crisis. When people show up for aid following an earthquake, no one will be asking whether they are legal citizens. The overarching concern will be whether there is enough food, water, shelter and emergency workers to meet the demand.

An accurate census would go a long way to ensure these and other needs can be met. That, we submit, is a more important goal than playing party politics.