RE “IMMIGRATION activists urging census boycott: Hope effort spurs legislation’’ (Page A1, Sept. 8): The position adopted by a few people who oppose immigrant participation in the 2010 US Census does not reflect the overwhelmingly pro-census sentiment in our communities. Last month, about 30 Portuguese-speaking leaders and advocates formed a statewide complete count committee to spread awareness about the census and its fundamental importance for immigrants. Threatening a boycott to force immigration reform will only increase anti-immigrant sentiment across the country. We want to be counted, to be recognized, and to keep helping this country become a better place for all of us - native or foreign-born.
Backers of this boycott may think they are flexing political muscle when in fact they are risking the loss of a limb, in the form of a Massachusetts congressional seat that would likely be cut as a result of a low population count. Substantial funding reductions for key state and local services, including many that help immigrants, are also expected with an undercount.
In these challenging times, such losses would have serious consequences for Bay State residents. The 2010 Census is a unique opportunity for all immigrant communities to show their size and the importance of their contributions to the nation.
Paulo Pinto
Cambridge
The executive director of the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers is writing on behalf of the Portuguese-Speaking Complete Count Committee. 
