The Biden administration's lax immigration policies have emboldened illegal aliens, and now President Trump is taking decisive steps to revive his fight against non-citizens on voter rolls. As reported by the White House, this battle is more than just about electoral integrity; it’s about ensuring that every vote counts and that American citizens retain their rightful political power.
Trump's Strategic Approach
Trump's approach to this issue is multifaceted. His administration will leverage the capabilities of the Commerce Department, specifically through Secretary Howard Lutnick. This department is poised to propose a census question that distinguishes between citizens, legal permanent residents, and unauthorized immigrants. According to various sources, such data could be used to exclude noncitizens from congressional apportionment, a move that directly influences the distribution of political power across the states.
Growing Republican Support
Support for this initiative is gaining traction among Republican lawmakers. Bills introduced by Rep. Chuck Edwards and Sen. Bill Hagerty aim to enshrine the citizenship question into law, thus mandating its use in the apportionment process. With a Republican-controlled Congress, these proposals have a much stronger chance of passing than they did in the previous two years. The procedural hurdles that once plagued these efforts are beginning to lift, as noted in reports from NPR.
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Historical Context and Legal Challenges
The legal landscape surrounding this issue is complex. The Supreme Court previously blocked Trump’s attempt to exclude noncitizens from the 2020 Census apportionment, citing procedural issues. However, the court did not address the core argument regarding the interpretation of the word "persons" in the 14th Amendment, which could open the door to future legal challenges. As The Washington Post reported, recent court decisions may indicate a more favorable environment for Trump’s plans moving forward.
Implications for Representation
The implications of excluding noncitizens from census counts are significant. States like California, which have large populations of illegal aliens, face potential losses in congressional representation. According to the Orange County Register, California lost over 800,000 residents in 2023 alone. If this trend continues, it could result in California losing even more congressional seats by 2030, while states like Texas and Florida could gain. Such demographic shifts could reshape the political landscape, benefiting conservative power in traditionally blue states.
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The Need for Legislative Action
Amending the Census Act to redefine “persons” in the context of the 14th Amendment is a crucial step in this battle. This would enable Congress to direct the Census Bureau to use only citizen data for apportionment, solidifying the rights of American citizens in the electoral process. The current Republican majority in the House provides an opportunity to advance these legislative changes, as evidenced by the narrow party-line vote on similar bills in the previous session.
As preparations for the 2030 census begin, Trump’s administration has a narrow window to influence the process. Federal law mandates that census questions must be submitted to Congress two years in advance, placing urgency on the current legislative efforts. The stakes are high, and the potential for a fairer electoral process hinges on clarity regarding who counts as a citizen.
