The US makes a significant change to the way racial and ethnic data is collected.

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The federal government is reworking its racial and ethnic classification system, which is a positive step for the country's immigrant community and one officials hope will better reflect the population.

The changes were made public on March 28 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The office would merge questions regarding race and ethnicity that were asked on different forms into one, per the planned modifications, as many people would either ignore the question or provide incorrect information because they were confused about which question to answer.

Furthermore, when it comes to the options for inquiries on race and ethnicity, a new category specifically for Middle Eastern and North African people will be added. The current classifications are Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Native American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, and White.

"We applaud the federal government for releasing these long-needed revisions for standards that more adequately recognise and honour the diversity, strength, and needs of our communities," stated Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder and executive director of AAPI Data, in response to the revision. The announcement made today is a significant breakthrough in the fight for data fairness, especially for the various Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations that our work supports.

"Building collective progress on stronger policies, programmes, and investments across every sector is a foundation to build," stated Akil Vohra, director of policy at AAPI Data. "This will positively impact our communities in all spheres, from health and education to access to jobs and public resources." Vohra further stated that accurate data collection that more meaningfully represents communities is essential.

Additionally, the OMB said that it will form an Interagency Committee on Race and Ethnicity Statistical Standards, which will oversee and assist all federal agencies in their continuing efforts to comply with the updated regulations.