A federal judge ruled against the Trump administration’s decision to end the 2020 Census count on September 30. Federal law requires the census agency to follow its earlier plan to continue the census county through October 31. Shortening the census count is viewed as part of the administration’s plan to exclude undocumented immigrants from the count, which is used to determine congressional district census reapportionment. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh of California said the shorter schedule would produce inaccurate results for hard-to-count communities due to the coronavirus epidemic, particularly communities of color and rural areas.
On July 21, President Trump signed a memorandum to exclude 2020 Census counts of undocumented immigrants from being included in congressional district census reapportionment. Trump said, including undocumented immigrants “would create perverse incentives and undermine our system of government.”
Illinois benefits from participation in the 2020 census which determines:
• how much money the state gets in $800 billion of federal funds and grants
• how many seats Illinois gets in the U.S. House of Representatives
• public and private business investments of $4 trillion annually
It’s Not Too Late – And It Only Takes 10 Minutes
Over 92 million households have completed the 2020 Census, with the majority doing it online. You can complete the census online, over the phone or by mail, without having to meet a census taker. For the first time, in 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau is accepting responses online – it only takes about 10 minutes! Every household has been sent a mailing, but 80% of households were invited to complete the census form online, rather than fill out and send back to the government. Visit 2020census.gov to learn more about the 2020 Census – how to respond, and why it matters.
Note: The 2020 Census form does not ask about citizenship. The Census does not ask whether non-citizens are legally in the country, and the Census Bureau is required by law to keep responses confidential.
Your decision to hire an experienced immigration lawyer can save you time, money and stress – and make the difference between your immigration application being denied or approved. The attorneys at Godoy Law Office will work with you to evaluate your immigration status and guide you in your journey to achieving your American Dream. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 855-554-6369.
