Yes and no.
In rulings that favor the Government, the Court holds: (1) the Enumeration clause permits a citizenship question; (2) the Secretary’s decision is reviewable under the APA; (3) adding the citizenship question was supported by substantial evidence; (4) adding the question did not violate the two provisions of the Census Act New York has cited.
BUT
The agency has to explain WHY it did it under the APA.
In a nutshell, the Court is saying that the Commerce Department could do this if it gave a better explanation of why it was doing it. That’s the bottom line.
So, what does that mean for the 2020 census?
Given they don’t like the explanation, are they letting it stay or saying no?
I am seeing both sides claiming victory here.
I guess the second one doesn’t really favor the Government
Yep. Just craft a plausible explanation - which they can easily do - and the citizenship question is on the Census.
This is a win for the good guys.