The federal government has announced a new census category for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans, a change that could have significant implications for addressing health disparities in this population. The White House Office of Management and Budget’s recent decision to add a MENA option to federal forms marks the first time Arab Americans and Chaldeans will have their own racial and ethnic category, rather than being classified as “white.”
This change is particularly relevant in Michigan, which has the highest percentage of Arab Americans among all states. Community advocates have long argued that grouping Arab Americans with people of European descent as “white” erased their identity and ignored discrimination they’ve faced.
The new classification could lead to better understanding and addressing of health issues specific to people of Middle Eastern descent. Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute, called the revision “historic” and said it would make Arab Americans “visible” in federal data collection.
Abed Ayoub, national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, stated that the changes could result in “addressing health disparities” affecting people of Middle Eastern descent. He also noted the potential for improved access to government services and better understanding of unique health issues faced by these communities.
While community leaders praised the changes, they also emphasized that more work is needed to ensure full representation of all Middle Eastern groups. The new category is expected to be implemented in the 2030 census and could significantly impact how health data is collected and analyzed for this previously underrepresented population.
