APIAHF Comment Letter on Proposed Changes to 2030 Census
Publish Date: November 2, 2026
Type: Comment Letter
Topics: Data Disaggregation, AANHPI, Race & Ethnicity
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Language: English
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The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) submitted comments to the U.S. Census Bureau strongly opposing proposed changes that would eliminate questions on race and ethnicity from the decennial census and narrow the definition of usual residence. In its November 2026 comment letter, APIAHF emphasizes that accurate, disaggregated demographic data are essential to identifying health disparities, advancing equitable health policies, enforcing civil rights protections, and ensuring communities receive appropriate federal resources and services. Drawing on decades of experience advocating for AANHPI communities, APIAHF highlights how detailed census data have helped reveal disparities obscured by aggregate statistics, inform targeted health interventions, and improve access to health coverage. The letter also raises concerns that the proposed changes could exclude lawfully present residents, including citizens of the Freely Associated States, undermine public trust, and discourage census participation. APIAHF urges the Census Bureau to withdraw the proposed changes and preserve a complete, accurate, and inclusive count of everyone living in the United States.