New Advancing Justice – AAJC Report Series Examines the Use of Administrative Records for Counting Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

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Aleisha Flores (771)-233-8202 aflores@advancingjustice-aajc.org

Washington, D.C. – Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) and Demographic Analytic Advisors today released the final report in its three-part series analyzing the potential of using administrative records to improve the accuracy of Census data for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The series explores both the limitations and benefits of incorporating race and ethnicity data from these records, particularly in light of the upcoming 2030 Census. 

The latest report, Assessing Availability and Quality of Administrative Records for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Recommendations for the Future¹, outlines recommendations for both the Census Bureau and data stakeholders as we approach the planning for the 2030 Census. While unpacking some of the potential challenges and opportunities, the report focuses on how Statistical Policy Directive 15’s updated race and ethnicity standards will impact the collection of data on Asian American and NHPI communities in the decennial census and in administrative records. 

"This series is crucial for understanding the complex role administrative records could play in the Census and its impact on AANHPI communities," said Terry Ao Minnis, Vice President of Census and Voting Programs at Advancing Justice – AAJC. "As the Census Bureau increasingly relies on administrative records, we must ensure that we identify their strengths and weaknesses to advocate for the most accurate data collection methods for our communities. This groundbreaking research enables us to more effectively advocate for Census policies that benefit Asian American communities." 

The series provides a comprehensive look at the issue: 

• Assessing Availability and Quality of Administrative Records for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Introduction and Federal Database Analysis² walks through the history of the Census Bureau’s measurement of race and use of administrative data and describes Asian American and NHPI coverage in federal administrative records. It cautions against potential disparities in coverage for communities of color due to overreliance on administrative records and stresses the importance of self-reported data. 
• Assessing Availability and³ Quality of Administrative Records for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: State³ Database Analysis³ drills down to state-level administrative records, including how they differ from surveys and an assessment of which state administrative data collections identify Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. Ultimately, these data sources could be useful in improving the coverage and race (and potentially subgroup) classification of these populations in the U.S. Census Bureau’s censuses and surveys—but only if utilized properly and appropriately.  

The entire research series highlights the critical importance of accurately capturing current population statistics, especially detailed racial and subgroup coverage data. It guides readers through the analysis of state administrative records and offers recommendations for their effective use in counting AANHPI communities. While each report identifies potential benefits, they also raise significant concerns about the use of administrative records in decennial census operations. 

Access each report here: 

1. Assessing Availability and Quality of Administrative Records for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Introduction and Federal Database Analysis² 
2. Assessing Availability and Quality of Administrative Records for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: State Administrative Data⁴ 
3. Assessing Availability and Quality of Administrative Records for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Recommendations for the Future¹ 

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