How The 2020 Census Citizenship Question Ended Up In Court

The Trump administration has added a question to the census form: “is this person a citizen of the United States?” This decision has caused an uproar throughout various cities and states wishing the U.S. The main concern with the new question is the effect it may have on results. Will this fuel undocumented immigrants to lie or refuse to fill out the form at all? Is this question used to identify where the majority of undicumented immigrants live in order to target those areas? Both questions appeal to the main question of what the point of this census is- to gain information of how many individuals live in the U.S. and where. This question, while it may seem relevant, can also be seen as unnecessary and a way to increase political gain. Because this has become so controversial, courts are beginning the process of hearing and deciding on these cases. These court cases are expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court. Although it is a hot topic which could effect representation in districts and states and the electoral college, some census information could be out before the Supreme Court will be able to make a decision. If this effects representation and the electoral college there could be in direct effects in International relations, domestic issues, and even the economy depending on how it effects voting representation.

By Alyssa Farney
For more information:
https://www.npr.org/2018/11/04/661932989/how-the-2020-census-citizenship-question-ended-up-in-court