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OCA-Greater Houston Census 2020

Visit OCA Greater Houston’s page on the 2020 Census

Every ten years, the U.S. Census counts every living person in this country. 2020 is one of those years! Every household contributes to the Census by counting each and every person, and yes, that includes newborns, living in their home by April 1, 2020. Why does this matter?

The federal government gives $675 billion a year to communities around the country. Each person counted in the Census, from your newborn to your parents, means another $15,700 for your community over the next 10 years. By participating in the Census, you are bringing tax dollars back into your community to improve your family’s life with better schools, roads, and hospitals.

Have you ever wondered why you don’t see more Asian names when you vote? Through a complicated process called gerrymandering, the Asian Americans have been stripped of our political power. Every 10 years, in a process called redistricting, Asian Americans fight to increase our political power. The Census is a very important part of this.

Currently, more Asian Americans live in Houston than there are being counted. This means that tens of thousands of us in this city don’t exist! When we participate in the Census, we show the government that more Asian Americans live in cities like Houston than they think. We can use this pressure to gain more political power.

Good schools are important. Political power is important. The Census is important for both of these, and more. In 2020, Asian Americans around the country are counting on you to participate and get your family counted. COMMIT TO GETTING COUNTED TODAY: http://www.ocahouston.org/pledge

If you or someone you know needs technology or language assistance, see our list of Census Assistance Days.

COVID-19 and Our Asian Community

In observation of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, ABC13 reporter Miya Shay will moderate a discussion highlighting the strain experienced by Asian-owned businesses, a marked increase in harassment and racism-related incidents against Asian people in Texas, and positive impacts the community is making in the fight against the coronavirus.

Panelists for the town hall include:

  • Debbie Chen, Houston restaurateur and Executive Director of OCA-Greater Houston, a civil rights organization advocating for the AAPI community
  • Chloe Dao, fashion designer and television personality
  • Paul Gor, Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston director of community services
  • Mustafa Tameez, president and founder of Outreach Strategists

Event details from ABC13: https://abc13.com/abc13-to-host-covid-19-and-the-asian-community-town-hall/6193623/

 

OCA-Greater Houston Monthly Immigration Forums

OCA-Greater Houston provides free assistance preparing N400 Citizenship applications for individuals with Greencards (Legal Permanent Residents) each month. If you have had your Greencard for 5 years (or 3 years if based on marriage to a US Citizen), you can apply for Citizenship. We suggest you come and start preparing your application 4 to 5 months before your 5 or 3 year date of receiving your LPR Status. THESE FORUMS WILL BE VIRTUAL FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2020!

Check out the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/501349720789718/

Information you need for us to help you prepare your application:

  • Driver’s License or ID card
  • Social Security Card
  • Legal Permanent Resident Card (Greencard)
  • Past and Current Passports
  • Addresses and Dates of every place you have lived at for the past 5 years (in chronological order starting with the most recent dates)
  • Company and/or School Names, Addresses and Dates of every place you have worked at for the past 5 years (in chronological order starting with the most recent dates) Also include any periods of time you were either a homemaker, student, and/or unemployed
  • List of Dates & Reason for Court Appearance for all traffic tickets or other court related issues
  • List of all current and past spouses, dates of marriage and divorce, current spouse’s A# if they have one or date of naturalization (citizenship date), their birthdate, and their current residence address
  • Marriage certificate if you are applying for citizenship based on marriage to your spouse for at least 3 years
  • List of all children (biological & stepchildren), their A# if they have one, their birthdate, and their current residence address
  • SNAP Award Letter if you have one and your tax return for last year if you want us to check if you can qualify for a waiver or discount of the USCIS Application Fees

 

 

How Can You Support #BLM in Houston & Be An AAPI Ally?

Compiled by Angela Tang, Jack Morillo, Sunnie Liu. OCA-Houston has produced a document with information and resources on how you can support Black Lives Matter in Houston, Texas and become an AAPI ally.

View the entire document here

For a user-friendly version of this guide, click here! or Click below to learn more about how you can…

Share this doc: tinyurl.com/BLMAAPI

 

 

COVID-19 Resources – OCA-Greater Houston

Visit their COVID-19 Resources page here

OCA-Houston has compiled a list of COVID-19 Resources which include: