Race & Origin Questions in Context: Understanding the 2020 Census

Census race and Hispanic origin data are used to protect civil rights and ensure programs meet the diverse needs of communities.

All respondents will be able to check off or write in their national origin, ethnicity, or principal or enrolled tribe on the 2020 Census form.

The Hispanic origin question will not be combined with the race question and there will not be a new Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) race category.

The race and origin questions for Census 2020 do not fully reflect the results from the Census Bureau’s rigorous research.