As the Trump administration pushes for further cuts, the Census Bureau is experiencing significant staff departures that may jeopardize the reliability of U.S. statistics. Currently facing a hiring freeze, employees have until Thursday to apply for early retirement or voluntary separation, potentially leading to mass firings. This comes as the agency prepares for the crucial 2030 national headcount, which affects federal funding allocation and electoral processes. Advocates worry that external factors, including new access agreements for immigration authorities, could deter households from participating in surveys, compromising the integrity of vital statistical data.
I think the public needs to question whether the agency is going to be able to produce the information that it needs to on time with the same quality that we've grown accustomed to, says Amy O'Hara.
Current and former employees warn that the bureau, which for years has been dealing with the restrictions of short-term funding and staffing challenges, is under unique strain.
Bureau staffers are facing a Thursday deadline for applications for early retirement and voluntary separation offers that may be followed by mass firings.
Outside the bureau, census advocates are concerned that new agreements giving immigration authorities access to tax information could discourage households from sharing personal data.
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