Letter to Jeff Sessions, Attorney General - Congressman Gonzalez Urges Attorney General Sessions to Reconsider Changes to U.S. Census Questionaire

Letter

Dear Attorney General Sessions:

I write to express my concerns with a letter the Justice Management Division of the Department of Justice mailed to the Census Bureau last month. The letter in question proposed reinstating a citizenship question that has not been a part of the census questionnaire for quite some time. The change was recommended under the guise of voter fraud prevention, but could ultimately have detrimental effects on the 2020 Census.

As the representative for an area known for low response rates, a strong immigrant community, and a history of being undercounted, I worry that this question may have unforeseen consequences on participation in and implementation of the Decennial Census in my district. Reintroducing this question could incite fear among immigrants and potentially deter them from participating. Furthermore, this change would represent a step backward from the recent collaboration between my office, Hidalgo County, and the Census Bureau to address past inaccuracies and better prepare for the Decennial Census. I am also concerned this sudden change could increase the costs of the Census and/or divert much needed funds from efforts intended to improve accuracy.

I am more than willing to support legislation and rules that advance the voting rights and security of Americans, but I truly believe this change would do more harm than good. The reintroduction of this citizenship question is an indirect attack on our immigrant communities, and on historically undercounted communities like those in Hidalgo County. I stand ready to work with the Department of Justice and the Census Bureau to address your concerns, increase participation, and ensure the 2020 Census runs in the best possible way.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez

Member of Congress

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