Westchester Executive: 26% of Residents Face Census Exclusion

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins formally requested the U.S. Census Bureau withdraw a proposed rule that would alter how Americans are counted. The proposal seeks to narrow the definition of usual residence to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Jenkins sent a letter to the bureau this week to voice his opposition. He stated that the federal government is attempting to ignore millions of people who live and work in local communities. He argued that these residents pay taxes, attend schools, and rely on public services that local governments must provide.

The proposed changes would exclude undocumented immigrants and certain noncitizens from the census count. This group includes visa holders, asylum seekers, and individuals with Temporary Protected Status. The new rules would also impose restrictive residency requirements and use tax records to verify where people live.

In Westchester, approximately 26% of residents are foreign-born. Jenkins warned that excluding this large segment of the population could reduce federal funding for the county. He said the financial burden would then shift directly to local property taxpayers.

The proposal would eliminate longstanding questions about race and ethnicity from the decennial census questionnaire. Jenkins noted that Westchester uses this data to comply with the Voting Rights Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The county also relies on these figures for emergency preparedness and public health planning.

County officials raised concerns about the new residency categories. The changes could create confusion for college students, foster children, and people in temporary housing or residential treatment. Westchester is home to many colleges, hospitals, and shelters where residents do not fit standard housing definitions.

Jenkins criticized the plan to use tax records to establish residency. He pointed out that low-income individuals and those with unstable housing often lack documentation that accurately reflects their living situation. The proposal does not include a clearly identified appeals process for people who believe they were improperly excluded.

The executive called for the government to count all residents regardless of immigration status. He urged the bureau to keep race and ethnicity questions on the form and to maintain existing privacy protections. He also asked for a full evaluation of the financial impact on local taxpayers before any changes are finalized.

Jenkins said his oath is to all Westchester residents. He stated he will continue his efforts until the administration accepts everyone into the count. The county's formal objections are now part of the public record for the proposed rule.