Trump Orders New Census to Exclude Undocumented Immigrants

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President Donald Trump is reported to have directed the Commerce Department to conduct a new population count, excluding individuals believed to be living in the United States illegally. The plan was reportedly announced through a social media post, stating the census should reflect “modern-day facts and figures” and align with the results of the recent presidential election.

The move represents a departure from the constitutionally required census conducted every ten years, with the next official count scheduled for 2030. The effort revives a similar policy previously pursued, which faced legal challenges and was overturned. That previous attempt was reversed by the subsequent administration, but the new order comes amid pressure from Republican lawmakers who support mid-decade redistricting to influence political representation.

Experts warn that excluding undocumented immigrants from population counts could result in widespread consequences. Census specialist Sean Moulton explains that undercounting residents risks misdirecting funding for public services, including schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. These resources are allocated based on population figures, so an incomplete count may result in underfunded and unprepared communities.

The census plays a critical role in determining congressional seats and distributing billions in federal aid. While supporters argue that excluding undocumented immigrants respects national sovereignty, critics contend the approach could shift political power and federal funds away from urban areas toward more rural or suburban regions.

Conducting an additional census would involve considerable expense and logistical challenges. The 2020 official census cost nearly $14 billion, and details about the timing and scope of the proposed count remain unclear. Policymakers and legal experts continue to debate the constitutional and practical implications of the plan.

Throughout his political career, Trump has emphasized the importance of excluding undocumented immigrants from population data and has linked census outcomes to electoral strategy. The move underscores a broader effort to align demographic policies with political objectives. Specialists caution that an incomplete census undermines accurate policymaking and could disrupt the equitable distribution of resources at all levels of government.