The battle to ensure election integrity continues as President Donald Trump reopens the fight against non-citizens on voter rolls. This pivotal issue, which gained traction during his first term, is set to resurface with renewed vigor.
Supreme Court May Weigh In on Census Count
The Supreme Court has yet to provide a definitive ruling on whether noncitizens should be counted in the U.S. census. As reported by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, the urgency to clarify this matter is evident. The consequences of including noncitizens in census data extend beyond mere numbers; they affect congressional representation and federal funding.
Commerce Department Takes Charge
The Commerce Department, under Secretary Howard Lutnick, is poised to lead the charge in this endeavor. According to a lawsuit filed by Republican-led states, the department could propose a census question distinguishing between citizens, legal permanent residents, and unauthorized immigrants. This step is crucial for excluding noncitizens from apportionment counts, thus preserving the political power of American citizens.
The Supreme Court Building - Supreme Court of the United States
Growing Republican Support for Legislative Action
Support for legislation mandating a citizenship question is surging among Republicans. Bills introduced by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) and Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) aim to redefine “persons” in the 14th Amendment’s apportionment clause to exclude noncitizens. With a GOP-controlled Congress, these measures are more likely to gain traction than they were in 2020.
Impact of Non-Citizen Counts on Representation
The implications of counting noncitizens in the census are profound. The Trump administration's attempts in 2020 to exclude noncitizens were based on the principle that their inclusion dilutes the political power of legal residents. As reported by the American Civil Liberties Union, critics claimed this policy was discriminatory. However, supporters argue that ensuring electoral fairness is paramount.
Commerce security unit acted as 'rogue, unaccountable police ...
Demographic Trends and Political Shifts
Recent demographic trends indicate states like California, which has the highest number of illegal aliens at approximately 2.6 million, may face significant political consequences. According to political analyst Thad Kousser, California could lose four congressional seats by 2030 due to an exodus of residents, irrespective of census criteria changes. Conversely, Texas and Florida stand to gain representation if noncitizens are excluded from the count.
The stakes are high as preparations for the 2030 census begin. Federal law mandates that proposed census questions must be submitted to Congress two years prior, providing an essential window for influencing the process.
