June 24, 2019\u2014GREENBELT, MD\u2014Today, U.S. District Court Judge George J. Hazel issued an opinion on last week\u2019s ruling stating that new evidence presented in Advancing Justice | AAJC (Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC) and MALDEF\u2019s (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) challenge to the 2020 census citizenship question \u201cpotentially connects the dots between a discriminatory purpose\u2014diluting Hispanics\u2019 political power\u2014and Secretary Ross\u2019s decision.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the Fourth Circuit remands the case, the Court will reopen discovery for no more than 45 days, order an expedited evidentiary hearing, and issue a speedy ruling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judge Hazel also stated that \u201cSecretary Ross bulldozed over the Census Bureau\u2019s standards and procedures for adding questions\u2026any prejudice that Defendants now face is partially of their own making.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe evidence we presented erases any doubt that the addition of a citizenship question was nothing more than a political move motivated by racial animus against immigrant communities,\u201d said Niyati Shah, Assistant Director of Legal Advocacy at Advancing Justice | AAJC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, Judge Hazel granted a request from Advancing Justice | AAJC and MALDEF to reconsider whether members of the Trump administration conspired with others to intentionally discriminate against Latinos, Asian Americans, and non-citizens when it added a citizenship question to the 2020 Census, following uncovered evidence from a deceased GOP political strategist, Thomas B. Hofeller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more background, read here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the opinion here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n ###<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC has a mission to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n CONTACT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michelle Boykins: 202-296-2300 x. 0144<\/p>\n\n\n\n