Democrats on Tuesday blasted the Trump administration’s decision to include a citizenship question on the next census survey, while at least some Republicans gave the move a thumbs up.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez called it a “craven attack on our democracy and a transparent attempt to intimidate immigrant communities.
“The census is a constitutionally-mandated count of all U.S. residents, not a political tool for Donald Trump to push his agenda and disempower Latinos and other people of color. By adding a citizenship question, Trump and Republicans are not only stoking fear in an attempt to make immigrant communities invisible, but they are all but guaranteeing an inaccurate count that lays the groundwork for sustained racial gerrymandering and jeopardizes critical resources for communities across the country.”
Only a few Republicans have commented on the new policy.
Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Tom Cotton, R-Ark, and James Inhofe, R-Okla., issued a statement that praised the decision and pointed out that the trio had sent a letter to the Commerce Department requesting the 2020 Census include a question about citizenship.
“It is imperative that the data gathered in the census is reliable, given the wide ranging impacts it will have on U.S. policy,” Cruz said. “A question on citizenship is a reasonable, commonsense addition to the census.”
Critics of the move believe it will result in under-reporting of U.S. residents and will intimidate those living here illegally.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement Tuesday that she believes the move is unconstitutional because it will stand in the way of an accurate count. She also called it “a dog-whistle tactic to raise funds” for President Trump’s campaign committee.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the courts may overturn the move. California announced Monday night it is suing the administration to stop the question from being included in the census.
“The census, written about and hallowed in the Constitution, is being distorted by this administration for political purposes,” Schumer said in a statement. “President Trump and Secretary [Wilbur] Ross should be ashamed of themselves. Hopefully the courts will correct this glaring abuse.”
