The fight to keep illegal aliens off voter rolls is not just a campaign promise; it is a constitutional imperative. President Donald Trump is poised to reignite this critical battle as he embarks on his second term. The issue of whether noncitizens should be counted in the U.S. Census is gaining renewed urgency, and the implications are significant for election integrity.
Supreme Court May Face Major Census Decision
The Supreme Court has never definitively ruled on the issue of counting noncitizens in the census. However, with the Trump administration signaling its intent to revisit this matter, the high court may soon be forced to confront this constitutional question. As reported by The New York Times, a citizenship question could help ensure that only legal residents are counted, thus influencing congressional representation and federal funding.
Legislative Avenues for Change
One promising avenue for Trump is the Commerce Department, led by Secretary Howard Lutnick. The department could propose adding a citizenship question to the census, which has gained traction among Republican lawmakers. Bills introduced by Rep. Chuck Edwards and Sen. Bill Hagerty aim to clarify the definition of “persons” in the 14th Amendment, potentially excluding noncitizens from the apportionment count. With a Republican-controlled Congress, this legislation stands a better chance of passing than in previous years.
The Supreme Court Building - Supreme Court of the United States
Political Landscape Shifts in Favor of GOP
The political climate is shifting favorably for Republicans. On his first day in office, Trump rescinded a Biden-era executive order that mandated counting all residents, regardless of immigration status. This decision signals a renewed focus on election integrity and the importance of counting only legal citizens. According to House Republicans, there is growing support for legislation that could redefine census criteria, making it essential for the GOP to act quickly as preparations for the 2030 census begin.
Understanding the Consequences of Counting Non-Citizens
The inclusion of noncitizens in the census has profound consequences for representation. The Trump administration previously argued that counting noncitizens dilutes the political power of citizens, a point highlighted in their 2020 memorandum to the Census Bureau. The Supreme Court's ruling against this plan was based on procedural grounds, leaving the underlying issue unresolved. Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union, hailed this as a victory for fair representation, while supporters of the policy claim it's necessary for electoral fairness.
2024 OP BUDGET HEARING | Photos | Philippine News Agency
Statistical Impact on Congressional Seats
Recent estimates reveal that states with large illegal alien populations, such as California and Texas, face significant shifts in congressional representation. California, with an estimated 2.6 million illegal aliens, saw a loss of residents in 2023, which may lead to a further decrease in congressional seats by 2030 if current trends continue. Conversely, Texas and Florida could gain seats, a shift that underscores the importance of accurate census data.
As such, the fight against noncitizen voting is not merely about policy; it is about the principles enshrined in our Constitution. The integrity of our elections and the principle of one citizen, one vote must be upheld. The Trump administration’s renewed efforts to exclude noncitizens from census counts represent a critical step in ensuring that our democratic processes reflect the will of lawful citizens.
