MA Officials Oppose Citizenship Question in 2020 U.S. Census

BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM/) – Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin has asked Maura Healey, the state Attorney General to file suit over the federal government's plan to ask a "question about citizenship" in the U.S. Census for 2020.  

Galvin tells WBZ NewsRadio1030 that the question will negatively states like Massachusetts, with a large population of illegal immigrants. 

He calls the change is a political effort on the part of the trump administration to "sabotage the census for states like Massachusetts."’ he said.

“It's politically motivated because the goal is to deprive us of a congressional seat and an electoral vote," Galvin 

According to Galvin under Federal Law, the census is to count every person in the state. 

In the previous census of 2010 and 2000, Galvin said his office office worked to make sure everyone was counted with no hidden agenda.

He says that if the proposed change were to go forward, would  jhurt Massachusetts.

 “It’s going to make it harder to get an accurate count and in the end, it’s politically motivated,” he said.

In a tweet AG Maura Healey says agrees.:

"The Census is supposed to count everyone. This is a blatant and illegal attempt by the Trump Administration to undermine that goal. We will sue to ensure a fair and accurate Census that counts the people of Massachusetts."

Meanwhile, a coalition of state attorneys generals urged the government not to add the question, claiming it would discourage participation among immigrants and lead to a population under count. 

WBZ NewsRadio1030's Lana Jones reports.