•    Counting undocumented immigrants is the law: the Constitution requires that all people living in the U.S. should be included in the census, regardless of citizenship status.

•    A full count of undocumented immigrants and their families is in everyone’s economic interest. Over the next decade, census data will determine how billions of federal dollars are spent in communities across the country. The census will impact economic recovery.

•    Without a full census count, local governments won’t get their fair share of federal resources for housing, healthcare, schools, and roads. The example of public education is especially important to consider. If the census undercounts undocumented children, the school districts where they live will appear to have fewer children attending school, and entire districts may become underfunded as a result, which would unfairly harm all students.

•    Counting everyone — including residents without legal status — will make it easier for government to prevent harmful budget cuts that impact public goods and services.

•    The census determines many decisions on a neighborhood level: like where to plan parks, place new bus stops and dig sewer lines. Failing to collect accurate data about undocumented residents may lead to planning and funding mistakes that reduce everyone’s quality of life.

•    An accurate count of undocumented families will mean better English language and vocational programs so that these immigrants—and their U.S.-born children—can acquire improved skills to contribute more economically and generate increased tax revenue.

•    A full profile of undocumented immigrants and their economic contributions will help attract new business investment and bring economic opportunity to struggling communities. If businesses receive incomplete census data, they will underestimate the economic potential of many neighborhoods and look elsewhere to create new jobs.

•    This is not a special interest issue — it’s about enabling government and business to help communities recover from this economic crisis and rebuild on a stronger foundation.

•    But we only have one shot at getting this right. Census information collected in 2010 will inform decisions about government funding and business investment for the next decade.

•    A full count of undocumented immigrants in the 2010 census will benefit everyone.