U.S. REP. MENG CRITICIZES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DECISION TO INCLUDE CITIZENSHIP QUESTION ON 2020 CENSUS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census.

“The decision to add this question without any testing at this late stage is deeply troubling and reckless,” said Meng. “Asking respondents if they are citizens will likely decrease response rates in immigrant communities, and as a result produce an inaccurate and incomplete count that will impact the distribution of federal resources, and the number of Congressional districts that each state receives. Many immigrants who are fearful of deportation under the current Administration will simply choose to not participate in the census out of fear that the information they provide will be used against them. Last week, I expressed my concerns to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross when he testified before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. But unfortunately, the secretary decided to add this misguided question. I am deeply disappointed with Secretary Ross, and I will now look to introduce legislation to stop this question from being included on the census.” Press Release.