Asian American Federation Issues Statement Opposing Proposed 2030 Census Changes
Asian American Federation CEO Catherine Chen (center in red shirt) joins City Council Speaker Julie Menin, New York Attorney General Letitia James and other members of the community in a rally at City Hall on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Credit: Asian American Federation
NEW YORK, NY — On Thursday, October 1, the Asian American Federation (AAF) joined New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, New York Attorney General Letitia James and other leaders to denounce the Trump administration’s proposal to exclude residents without green cards from the 2030 Census. This unprecedented change, if enacted, would exclude millions of individuals who are legally present, including asylum seekers and H-1B visa holders, as well as undocumented individuals from the official count.
AAF is a member of Speaker Menin’s Census Task Force and the only designated Census Information Center in the Northeast that serves the Asian American community and has led the Census process for the Asian community in New York for the last three censuses.
See press release from Speaker Menin’s office, here.
AAF CEO Catherine Chen stated: “Since 1790, the U.S. Census has helped to present a true and full picture of our nation by counting every resident. The Trump administration’s proposal, which aims to exclude certain groups and ban questions on race, ethnicity and sexual orientation from the Census, is yet another attempt to render our communities invisible. Asian Americans make up 17% of New York City’s population and are the fastest-growing population in the country. Without accurate data, we risk leaving entire communities out of the decisions that shape their lives and the resources they depend on, such as funding for services in Asian languages and culturally responsive health programs. And yet, when our communities disappear from the data, their needs do not disappear. The Asian American Federation has led the Census process for the Asian community in New York since 2000, and we will continue to fight for a Census where each and every one of us is counted.”