26% of Westchester residents at stake as county fights census changes

Federal census rules determine the distribution of billions in government funds, a factor now central to a dispute between Westchester County and the U.S. Census Bureau. County Executive Ken Jenkins formally opposed a proposed rule change that would narrow the definition of who is counted in the decennial survey. His office sent a letter to the agency demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposal, arguing that the changes would shift financial burdens from the federal government to local taxpayers.

The proposed rule would restrict the count to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. It defines usual residence through a specific time period and requires verification using tax records. This framework would exclude undocumented immigrants and people with temporary immigration status, such as visa holders and asylum seekers. Jenkins noted that approximately 26% of Westchester County residents are foreign-born. He stated that the proposal takes federal dollars away from the community and places the cost on property owners.

The letter identifies several specific operational challenges created by the new residency standards. It points out that the changes could create confusion for college students, individuals in temporary housing, foster children, and people in residential treatment facilities. Westchester contains numerous institutions of these types. The county argues that the proposed reliance on tax records to prove residency is problematic for low-income individuals and those experiencing housing instability, who may lack documentation that matches their actual living arrangements. The proposal also lacks a clearly identified appeals process for those improperly excluded.

Jenkins criticized the removal of race and ethnicity questions from the census questionnaire. These data points are currently used by local governments to comply with the Voting Rights Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The county uses this information for emergency preparedness, public health planning, and providing language assistance. Jenkins described the changes as an attempt to make residents invisible. He said, “The federal government wants to pretend that millions of people living in our communities simply do not exist.”

In the letter, Jenkins listed six demands for the federal government. He asked that all residents be counted regardless of citizenship status and that race and ethnicity questions remain on the survey. He also requested that residency requirements reflect modern household realities and that incomplete tax records do not disqualify individuals. The letter calls for the retention of existing privacy protections and a full evaluation of the financial consequences for local counties.

Jenkins emphasized his commitment to representing all inhabitants of the county. He stated, “My oath is to all the residents of Westchester, and I won’t stop until the Trump Administration accepts everyone.” The county’s objection is part of a wider review of the decennial census process. The proposed rule remains in the comment and review stage before it can be finalized. Jenkins and other local leaders plan to continue engaging with the Census Bureau during this period. The next step in the process involves the federal agency’s response to the public comments and formal objections submitted by state and local governments.