The Taiwanese American Citizens League opposes the Trump administration’s proposed changes to the 2030 census and calls on Congress, which holds constitutional authority over the census, to reject them. Taiwanese American identity in the census is already hard-earned, as it has never included Taiwan in its race and ethnicity category and community members are obliged to check a box that says “Other Asian” and write in “Taiwanese.” Since 1990, TACL’s write-in Taiwanese campaign has mobilized our community to do exactly that every census, an effort that depends on the race and ethnicity question remaining on the form at all.

On September 9, 2026, the Trump administration released a proposal that would make major changes to the 2030 census. It would eliminate the question on race and ethnicity, a topic asked about in every count since the first census in 1790. It would also exclude non-U.S. citizens without a green card from the population totals. Throughout all of American history, residents have never been excluded from the census count based on immigration status.

Removing the race and ethnicity question undermines the government’s ability to serve Americans. Knowing who Americans are is how federal, state, and local governments know where language access services are needed, how civil rights laws are enforced, and how communities like ours are supported. Eliminating this data only worsens disparities across the United States.

Excluding any resident from the census contradicts the Constitution. The 14th Amendment requires counting the “whole number of persons in each state,” not just citizens or green card holders. An accurate count is critical for fair representation during apportionment and equal allocation of federal resources to every state and community.

Since 1790, the census has told the story of who lives in America. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, we should be investing in a fuller, more accurate picture of the country.

Make your voice heard. The public comment period on this proposal is open now until October 13, 2026. Submit your comments at the Federal Register.