U.S. government proposes to exclude undocumented immigrants from 2030 Census
Key Points(5)
- government has proposed changes to how the 2030 Census counts some noncitizens, a move that could affect population totals used to determine congressional representation and the distribution of federal funding.
- Under the proposal, the population used for congressional apportionment would be limited to U.S.
- citizens and lawful permanent residents, excluding undocumented immigrants and some other noncitizens.
- The proposal also includes changes to demographic questions included in the decennial census.
- The 14th Amendment states that representatives are apportioned among states according to their respective populations, counting the “whole number of persons in each State.” Census results are used to determine each state's number of seats in the U.S.
The U.S. government has proposed changes to how the 2030 Census counts some noncitizens, a move that could affect population totals used to determine congressional representation and the distribution of federal funding.
Under the proposal, the population used for congressional apportionment would be limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, excluding undocumented immigrants and some other noncitizens. The proposal also includes changes to demographic questions included in the decennial census.
The 14th Amendment states that representatives are apportioned among states according to their respective populations, counting the “whole number of persons in each State.” Census results are used to determine each state's number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and help guide the distribution of federal funding.
Immigration organizations have raised concerns about how the proposed changes could affect states and cities with large immigrant populations.
Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, said changes to who is included in census population totals could affect political representation and the allocation of government resources.
“The proposed rule change raises serious constitutional and civil rights concerns,” Awawdeh told the Caribbean Media Corporation.
He said census data are used not only for congressional apportionment but also by state and local governments and organizations assessing disparities and access to public resources.
The proposal also calls for changes to the collection of demographic information, including race and ethnicity data.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said accurate census figures are particularly important for cities because population data influence federal funding for schools, hospitals, housing, transportation and social services.
“The Census touches every piece of New Yorkers’ lives, which is why an accurate count is crucial,” Menin said.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill also raised concerns about the potential effect on New Jersey's congressional representation and federal funding.
The debate comes as the federal government continues preparations for the 2030 Census, which will determine how the 435 seats in the U.S. House are divided among the states and influence the distribution of Electoral College votes.
The proposed changes are not yet final and would have to proceed through the federal rulemaking process before taking effect.
