Lawmakers clash over immigrant counting in census debate

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the importance of counting immigrants in the U.S. Census. One speaker emphasized that unless someone is indigenous, their ancestors were immigrants. They highlighted that all families, regardless of their origins, have been counted in past censuses. This counting is seen as a vital record of the nation’s history and demographics.

The speaker criticized arguments against counting immigrants, labeling them as \"un-American.\" They argued that these views are politically motivated and aimed at creating a narrative against immigrants. The speaker referenced former President Donald Trump's past attempts to alter census procedures, suggesting that these changes were intended to target immigrants for deportation.

Concerns were raised about the implications of intimidating federal census employees. The speaker stressed that oversight should not involve intimidation, as it undermines the integrity of the Census Bureau's work. They concluded by reaffirming the essential role of the Census Bureau in democracy, stating that being counted is crucial for representation and recognition by the federal government.