People should not worry about being deported or getting into trouble, she said, because the data by law cannot be shared with other agencies such as the Immigration and Naturalization Service. We really need to educate the immigrants because they are the ones who will be most afraid to fill out the forms. An undercount hurts everybody. Florida's net undercount in 1990 was estimated at 260,000, with 34 percent being Hispanic. Information on race and Hispanic origin is used to implement programs for equal employment and civil rights.
Businesses rely on information to create jobs and make products residents want.
Local governments want everyone to know the importance of participation. Groups in Seminole and Volusia counties have sent out bilingual newsletters and plan to open booths at special events. Osceola officials want electric bill inserts and Web sites dedicated to the project. Volunteers will knock on doors and blast messages over speakers. Teachers will bring information to class so children can take it home.