The U.S. Census Bureau is currently gathering input from the public regarding the categorization of race and ethnicity in its reports, reflecting diverse perspectives on racial identities in the country. Earlier this year, significant changes were made to the way the government recognizes various racial and ethnic groups, particularly for those identifying as Hispanic and individuals with Middle Eastern and North African heritage. These modifications marked the first update in 27 years.
Under the newly implemented guidelines, the questions concerning race and ethnicity will now be combined into one unified question, allowing respondents to select multiple identities concurrently, such as “Black,” “American Indian,” and “Hispanic.” Research has indicated that a substantial number of Hispanic individuals often struggle with how to respond to separate race queries, as they frequently perceive race and ethnicity similarly. This has resulted in many selecting “some other race” or leaving the question unanswered entirely.
Additionally, a new category specifically for Middle Eastern and North African individuals has been introduced, offering those from nations such as Lebanon, Iran, Egypt, and Syria an option beyond identifying as white, which had been the convention. Data from the 2020 census demonstrates that over 3.1 million U.S. residents consider themselves as belonging to the Middle Eastern and North African group, often referred to as MENA.
Recent findings released by the Census Bureau indicate that about 2.4 million individuals, accounting for approximately 80%, categorized themselves as MENA under the white race designation in the 2020 census. In contrast, nearly 500,000, or over 16%, identified as “some other race,” while around 139,000 individuals recognized themselves as Asian. Furthermore, close to 50,000 MENA respondents recorded themselves as Black.
Among the MENA subgroups, those with Lebanese and Syrian heritage predominantly identified as white. Conversely, individuals with North African, Berber, and Moroccan roots exhibited the highest likelihood of identifying as Black. Those with Omani, Emirati, and Saudi backgrounds reported the highest rates of designation as Asian, according to the study.
Another report released this month highlighted the variations in racial identity recognition among different Hispanic groups in the 2020 census. People from Central America frequently identified as “some other race” or as American Indian and Alaska Native. South Americans primarily selected responses identifying as white or “some other race,” while individuals from the Caribbean commonly identified as Black or with combinations of Black and other races.
Regional and state disparities were also apparent in the data. The Northeast and West, particularly in California, Maryland, and New York, saw a greater proportion of Hispanic respondents indicating “some other race” alone. In contrast, identifying as white or “white and some other race” was most prevalent among Hispanic groups in the South. The Northeast recorded the largest share of Hispanic individuals identifying as Black alone or in combination, while the Midwest noted the highest rates of American Indian and Alaska Native identification, especially in South Dakota.
The revised race and ethnicity classifications are set to be adopted by the Census Bureau starting with the 2027 American Community Survey—the most extensive survey capturing various aspects of U.S. life—and the 2030 census, which will influence congressional representation and Electoral College allocation. The Census Bureau is encouraging public feedback until mid-February, particularly from communities that feel misrepresented or from those suggesting additional groups that could be recognized in the race and ethnicity categories.
