During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the implications of the Biden administration's approach to immigration and its potential impact on the 2030 census. A key concern raised was the estimated number of individuals who have entered the country illegally in recent years. One participant suggested that estimates range from 5 million to as high as 20 million, which could significantly affect congressional representation and the distribution of federal funds.

Director Santos acknowledged that counting individuals who are in the country illegally presents challenges for achieving an accurate census. The census aims to count everyone once and in the correct location to ensure fair apportionment of federal resources and congressional districts. However, Santos emphasized that the Census Bureau's mission is to enumerate the entire population, regardless of legal status.

The conversation also touched on the contentious issue of adding a citizenship question to the census. This proposal has faced opposition in the past, notably during the Trump administration, when attempts to include such a question were blocked. The current status of a bill aimed at adding this question remains stalled in the Senate.

Another significant point raised was the impact of the shortened timeline for the 2020 census, which some argued may have led to undercounts, particularly in rural areas. Director Santos confirmed that the Census Bureau had to operate within the constraints set by the administration at that time.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing debate over how best to conduct the census and ensure accurate representation for all communities. As the 2030 census approaches, the discussions underscore the importance of addressing these issues to uphold the integrity of the count and its implications for federal representation and funding.