Making Sure Everyone Counts

On July 3^rd, the U.S. Census will face one of the most important court decisions in its over 100-year history. After the Trump Administration’s proposal to add a citizenship question to the Census, the New York State Attorney General –is leading a multi-state lawsuit against the federal government, which the Trump administration is attempting to have dismissed. On July 3^rd, the day before Independence Day, it will be determined whether the court will bend toward the arc of justice and dignity for immigrants by allowing the case to move forward, or whether it will rule in favor of the federal government, essentially guaranteeing the addition of the citizenship question to the 2020 Census.

The addition of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census is not only discriminatory toward immigrants, but it will also be detrimental to all New Yorkers. In the political climate of fear that the Trump administration has already engendered, fewer and fewer immigrants trust the U.S. government. If the citizenship question is added, less people will agree to fill out the form, leading to a grossly inaccurate count of who makes up New York City. The Census is instrumental in ensuring that public resources reach our communities, from funding for housing to access to good jobs. The Census is used to quantify how much money is allocated to a community depending on the needs of the residents who respond to the survey. New York is an immigrant city; 60% of residents are either foreign born or children of immigrants. Forty-six percent of foreign born residents are not citizens. When a significant chunk of New Yorkers aren’t counted, New York isn’t represented. This means that community groups will have little information to back up claims for funding, and that the city’s most vulnerable communities will have even less access to necessary resources. This is a direct attack on immigrants, and an attack on cities where immigrants make up a significant portion of the population.

ANHD has joined New York Counts 2020, a coalition of groups across the state fighting for fair and accurate representation of our communities led by the New York Immigration Coalition. On July 3^rd, right after the hearing, we will join NYIC and our fellow advocates at Foley Square to make our voices heard. Join us at 11 am to show that in New York City, everyone counts.