The U.S. Census Bureau has proposed a new rule that would change who gets counted for congressional representation and what information is collected on the census form. Here’s what you need to know about this proposal and what it means for the nonprofit sector.
Under the proposal, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents would continue to be counted for congressional apportionment, but many other noncitizens would not, including many legal residents and undocumented immigrants. The Census Bureau is also considering using government records to determine legal status and may add a legal-status question to the census form.
The proposal would also remove questions about race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation from the decennial census form. Questions about biological sex, date of birth, and household relationships could remain. These restrictions would not apply to the American Community Survey or other Census Bureau surveys.
For Delaware nonprofits, these changes could have real consequences.
Many nonprofits serve immigrant communities and other populations that are already difficult to count. If people become more concerned about how census information could be connected to immigration status, nonprofits may face greater challenges encouraging participation and building trust, as well as being able to serve these populations.
Census data also helps shape decisions about representation, funding, public policy, community planning, and where resources are needed. Nonprofits, funders, and government agencies rely on this information to understand who lives in our communities and how needs are changing.
Changes to demographic questions could also affect the information nonprofits use to identify disparities, plan programs, and make the case for funding and services.
This is still a proposed rule, not a final regulation. The Census Bureau is accepting public comments through October 13.
The National Council of Nonprofits is also organizing a national sign-on letter in response to the proposal. Delaware nonprofits that are concerned about the potential impact of these changes can review the letter and consider adding their organization’s name.
DANA will keep you posted on this proposed rule and any other important federal updates.
