I read an article where a professor of history/theology from a catholic university claims:

When the text of Luke’s Gospel is carefully translated we obtain: …that census preceded the one when Quirinius governed Syria.

Quirinius was mentioned by Luke for a purpose, because he oversaw in Palestine the general census called for the entire Empire in 6 CE. That census ignited Jewish rebellion in Galilee, which precipitated creation of Zealot Party. For Jewish heritage that census became a traumatic memory, but that way it was a permanent reference point in Jewish history. And that reference point is used by Luke, but to place the birth of Jesus in the context of a census preceding the census of Quirinius. 

That earlier census was a general loyalty referendum for the whole Empire. Beginning of 2 BCE was the cumulation of several Roman and caesarian anniversaries (e.g. 25th anniversary of the Caesar’s reign). For that occasion in the whole Empire a referendum was called – with an act of loyalty and deification of the Caesar. Herod tried to use that census to deepen loyalty of his subjects. That way he stirred unrest in the kingdom, which is mentioned by Josephus Flavius: When the whole Jewish nation swore allegiance to the Caesar and the King, only they (Pharisee), and there were over 6 thousand of them, declined giving the oath (History of Israel, 17.2.4). It’s a very important testimony for historians.  

As ordered, men were obliged to travel to the place of birth and offer there a silver coin. That’s why Matthew writing his gospel for Jews, is silent about journey to Bethlehem, its circumstances and reasons. For Jews those were painful and disturbing memories. If the pious Pharisee boycotted the loyalty census, why the righteous Joseph and godly Marie did not do the same? So it was better to skip over facts that were able raise such questions. [end of quote]

Please tell me what you think about the concept that the census the holy family is going to is that loyalty event around 2 BCE. Personally I find it hard to believe.