Have your say on the proposed Census rules
The Census Bureau is inviting public comments on proposed residence criteria and demographic-question rules. Review the proposal and share your perspective by November 2, 2026.
The U.S. Census Bureau has proposed rules about where people are counted in the decennial census and which demographic questions may appear on census questionnaires. This is a proposal open for public comment, not a final rule.
What the proposal covers For the population count used to allocate seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, the proposal would include lawful permanent residents while excluding undocumented people and people whose lawful status is less durable than permanent residency. It also proposes barring questions about race, ethnicity and sexual orientation on questionnaires used to enumerate the population. The proposed demographic-question restrictions would not apply to the American Community Survey or other surveys not used for enumeration. Consult the full proposal for its criteria, scope and rationale.
The official proposal is titled “Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions.” Its public docket is USBC-2026-0628; the document is USBC-2026-0628-0001.
How to participate Read the proposal using the official links below. Select “Submit your comment now” to open the document on Regulations.gov, then choose “Comment” and follow the portal’s instructions to enter or attach your own comments. Your submission goes to the federal agency, not to Open Doors Center.
Updated deadline The October 5, 2026 Federal Register notice extended the public comment period from October 13 to November 2, 2026. Check the official docket for any later updates before submitting.
Before you submit Comments generally become part of the public record. Personal or sensitive information you voluntarily include may be publicly accessible. The notice states that anonymous comments are accepted by entering “N/A” in required fields. Review the agency’s full instructions before sharing information.
Open Doors Center is sharing this opportunity to support informed community participation. Read the proposal and express your own perspective.