A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration cannot add to the 2020 U.S. Census a question about respondents’ citizenship.
Critics had decried Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’ move to include the question, arguing that it would dissuade immigrants of all kinds from responding to the decennial survey, which helps allocate congressional seats and approximately $675 billion in federal funding.
The plaintiffs, which included 18 states, the District of Columbia, and activist groups, claimed the Trump administration was aware of that potential, and actively attempted to reduce the response rate of immigrants by adding the “arbitrary” and “capricious” question. The Trump administration claimed it had the authority to change the Census if it chose to, and that aggressive follow-up from personnel would ensure that response rates didn’t drop. The administration is expected to appeal the decision.