For Immediate Release: March 27, 2018
Contact: Ashley Wilson, [email protected], 202-601-7856
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to reports that the 2020 Census will include a citizenship question for the first time since the 1950s, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice executive director and leader of Nuns on the Bus Sister Simone Campbell, SSS released the following statement:

“The inclusion of a citizenship question in the 2020 Census is a political calculation designed to undermine our Constitution and undercount children, people of color, and other vulnerable populations.

“The Constitution mandates few activities, but it does mandate a complete census every ten years. A citizenship question in the 2020 Census undermines this work. It will undoubtedly sow fear and intimidate our immigrant neighbors and residents of the United States, who under the Constitution should be counted. We know that it will negatively impact hard to count communities. We know that children are already disproportionately undercounted, and the implementation of a citizenship question will make matters worse.

“Implementing a question designed to suppress respondents is evidence of the Republican desire to control who matters in our country. Such a manipulation of the count is unconstitutional and should not be allowed.

“As people of faith, the Catholic Sisters and activists of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice believe that all people are created in the image and likeness of God. We oppose fear mongering and crass political calculation. All people should be counted.”

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NETWORK – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a 45-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org