Gov. Hochul signs bill to recognise North African, Middle Eastern communities in state data

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a landmark bill on Friday requiring state agencies to include distinct categories for North African and Middle Eastern populations on official forms and applications.

The move ends the longstanding practice of categorizing individuals of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent as “white,” a classification that advocates say has long ignored the unique challenges and experiences of these communities.

“By ensuring that Middle Eastern and North African communities are accurately represented in state data collection, we’ll be able to identify ways to support this community going forward,” Hochul said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of accurate demographic data for shaping public policy.

The new law mandates that anyone of Egyptian descent, for example, can now identify as North African, while individuals of Israeli or Lebanese heritage can identify as Middle Eastern on state forms. Proponents argue that the change will bring visibility to issues faced by MENA populations, including discrimination, poverty, and inequities in housing and health care.

State Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, who co-sponsored the bill with State Senator Michael Gianaris, highlighted the historic invisibility of MENA communities due to insufficient data collection. “It is past time that these communities are accounted for and better understood and represented,” González-Rojas said.

Advocates also hope the legislation will pave the way for MENA business owners to qualify for the state’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program, which offers competitive advantages for state contracts. However, additional legislative measures will be needed to formalize such eligibility, according to New York’s economic development office.

The law will officially take effect in late April, though major state agencies like the Department of Labor and those overseeing welfare, mental health, and corrections will have two years to fully implement the changes. This effort aligns with recent updates by the U.S. Census Bureau, which announced the inclusion of a “Middle Eastern or North African” category alongside existing racial and ethnic identifiers to ensure more accurate and actionable demographic data.

The changes mark a significant step toward addressing the distinct needs of MENA communities, ensuring their experiences and contributions are no longer overlooked in government recordkeeping.