Background on Donald Trump and His Influence
Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has once again intervened in the census process. Known for his controversial policies and strong stance on immigration, Trump’s actions have significant implications for the upcoming midterm elections.
Understanding the U.S. Census
The United States conducts a population census every decade. The next census is scheduled for 2030. This census serves multiple purposes, including redrawing electoral maps, influencing the number of votes each state contributes to the Electoral College, determining Congressional seats, and shaping federal policy and funding allocations.
Trump’s Previous Attempts to Alter the Census
During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump attempted to include a citizenship question in the 2020 census. However, the Supreme Court blocked this attempt. Now, Trump is intervening again, aware that altering the official count could reshape Congress, the Electoral College, and public policies.
New Census Order Excluding Undocumented Migrants
On Thursday, Trump announced via his platform Truth Social that he has instructed the Department of Commerce to begin work on a new, highly accurate census based on current facts and figures. He emphasized using the results and information from the 2024 presidential elections.
“People who are in our country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS,” Trump stated emphatically.
Demographic Changes and Immigration Trends
Amidst a slowing demographic growth, the immigrant population increased by 1.6 million people between 2022 and 2023, with many being Latino Americans, according to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) based in Washington.
As of 2023, there were approximately 47.8 million immigrants residing in the United States, according to U.S. Census data.
Of these immigrants, nearly three-quarters were legally present as naturalized citizens or legal permanent residents, holding green cards or temporary visas, the MPI clarified.
Potential Impact on Elections and Representation
According to the Pew Research Center, excluding undocumented migrants from the census could have resulted in several states losing a Congressional seat in 2020, such as California.
Trump’s announcement comes at a time when Republicans are attempting to redraw the electoral map in Texas to gain up to five additional seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
In response, numerous Democratic congressmembers have left the state to avoid voting restrictions. Texas Republicans have threatened to arrest these fleeing Democrats.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of Trump’s new census order? The new census aims to exclude undocumented migrants from the count, potentially altering electoral maps and influencing political representation.
- Why is the timing of this announcement significant? The announcement coincides with Republican efforts to redraw Texas’s electoral map and gain more seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
- What are the potential consequences of excluding undocumented migrants from the census? Excluding this population could impact the number of Congressional seats certain states receive and reshape electoral maps, potentially favoring Republicans in Texas.
- How have immigrants contributed to demographic changes in the U.S.? Despite slowing overall growth, the immigrant population has increased significantly, with many being Latino Americans.
