The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump has directed the Department of Commerce to begin a new census excluding undocumented immigrants, aiming to reshape congressional maps in favor of Republicans.
Announced via Truth Social, Trump stated that only legal residents should be counted, using 2024 election data for accuracy. He said “people who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS,”
Although the U.S. Constitution requires that all residents be counted, Trump’s proposal might take federal funds and House seats away from states like Florida, Texas, and California that have high rates of undocumented people.
Trump’s earlier attempts to change census counts, which were stopped by judges during his first term, are being revived by this action.
After taking power again, Trump restored the policies that President Biden had revoked. Legislation to count only U.S. citizens is being pushed by certain GOP members, and the outcome of the scheme may be determined by ongoing legal battles.
Critics caution that in states with high immigrant populations, the action may jeopardize democracy and representation.
