A question being added to the 2020 U.S. census has some people and legislators upset: Are you a citizen?
- 2020 census to ask Americans about citizenship status
- Federal census shows information about Americans
- Information helps determine where funds go
- Many think new question will underrepresent areas
Late Monday night, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the 2020 census would ask participants whether they are a U.S. citizen.
The census collects information about Americans — not just how many citizens are in the U.S., but the number of people overall populating certain areas. This helps the government determine where to distribute funds, from infrastructure like highways, to schools to how to draw congressional districts.
Many think the question will discourage some people from participating in the census, therefore leaving certain people and areas underrepresented.
The Commerce Department defended the move by saying that between 1820 and 1950, most decennial censuses asked a question about citizenship in some form.
The federal census is NOT a tool to rally the President’s base. It’s a constitutionally mandated count of every single PERSON living in this country.
— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) March 27, 2018
More important than ever to pass my bill to prevent this w/ @CoryBooker @maziehirono & many @SenateDems https://t.co/RbU1Z2wEPk https://t.co/VC8Wfu1r7A
Inaccurate data could potentially result in mismanagement of resources. Our neediest communities may not receive sufficient assistance if we have an inaccurate #2020census. (5/5)
— Grace Meng (@RepGraceMeng) March 27, 2018
The Justice Department, which recommended adding the question, says a citizenship question would help enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prevents discrimination at the polls.
Some lawmakers are already trying to fight this.
#BREAKING: Filing suit against @realdonaldtrump's Administration over decision to add #citizenship question on #2020Census. Including the question is not just a bad idea — it is illegal: https://t.co/vW8sa7khq9
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) March 27, 2018
The citizenship question on the census will likely reduce the number non white people counted and the record will tell us whether or not it was done on purpose.
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) March 27, 2018
I've introduced the #Census IDEA Act to block this action. Our nation depends on a full, fair and accurate count of everyone living here. Republicans need to join with Democrats to block this effort to the undermine the #2020Census.
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) March 27, 2018
The census's new citizenship question is another shameful Trump assault on our democracy. It will undoubtedly drive down census participation, and cost our communities federal funds and seats in Congress. Trump is worried about losing power so he's trying to take ours away. https://t.co/4AfLjtShAH
— Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (@RepRoybalAllard) March 27, 2018
The Trump administration is trying to SABOTAGE the 2020 census. This a serious threat to our democracy. I stand behind AG Becerra in filing a lawsuit to ensure every person is counted. We are ready to fight! https://t.co/0Tr7CbMBQt
— Rep. Jimmy Gomez (@RepJimmyGomez) March 27, 2018
The government takes a census every 10 years.