What's Happening?
Two federal lawsuits, backed by allies of President Trump, are challenging the methods used by the U.S. Census Bureau for the upcoming 2030 census. These lawsuits, filed in Florida and Louisiana, aim to alter how the census counts individuals, particularly
focusing on excluding those in the U.S. illegally from apportionment numbers. The Florida lawsuit, led by America First Legal, contests privacy protection methods and counting procedures for group-living facilities. Meanwhile, the Louisiana lawsuit, supported by Republican state attorneys general and the Federation for American Immigration Reform, seeks to exclude undocumented immigrants from congressional district counts. These legal actions align with Trump's previous attempts during his first term to influence census data collection, including efforts to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census, which was blocked by the Supreme Court.
Why It's Important?
The outcome of these lawsuits could significantly impact the political landscape in the U.S. by altering how congressional representation is determined. If successful, the exclusion of undocumented immigrants from apportionment counts could shift political power, potentially benefiting Republican and non-Hispanic white populations, as suggested by a Republican redistricting expert. This could lead to changes in how federal funds, amounting to $2.8 trillion, are distributed for essential services like healthcare and infrastructure. The legal challenges also raise concerns about the integrity and inclusivity of the census process, which is constitutionally mandated to count the 'whole number of persons in each state.'
What's Next?
As the lawsuits progress, the Census Bureau continues its preparations for the 2030 count, including practice runs in various locations. The Justice Department, representing the Census Bureau, has requested the dismissal of the Florida case and is defending against the Louisiana lawsuit. The outcomes of these cases could prompt legislative actions, as congressional Republicans have already introduced bills to exclude noncitizens from apportionment. The legal proceedings and potential legislative changes will be closely watched by political leaders, civil rights groups, and states with large immigrant populations, as they could lead to significant shifts in political representation and federal resource allocation.
