Stating that you are Laotian on the American Census 2010 form means more federal money for education, social services, community services, our families and community. In addition to answers to frequently asked questions, we’ve outlined some important Census facts and what we as a community need to do to reach our goal of a complete Laotian National count in 2010.

Immigration policy in the United States reflects multiple goals. First, it serves to reunite families by admitting immigrants who already have family members living in the United States. Second, it seeks to admit workers with specific skills and to fill positions in occupations deemed to be experiencing labor shortages. Third, it attempts to provide a refuge for people who face the risk of political, racial, or religious persecution in their country of origin.

Civic engagement can take many forms — from individual volunteerism to organizational involvement to electoral participation. It can include efforts to directly address an issue, work with others in a community to solve a problem or interact with the institutions of representative democracy.