The 2020 U.S. Census will include a controversial question about citizenship status, the Commerce Department announced Monday night, a move that is set to spark outrage from Congressional Democrats, civil rights groups and liberal state attorneys general.
Critics have warned the administration against including the question because they fear it would result in a massive drop in response rates from immigrants who worry the information could be used to deport them.
According to the statement from the Commerce Department, having such data will “permit more effective enforcement” of the Voting Rights Act.