US President’s Census Plan: How It Could Change America’s Population Count

International News: US President Donald Trump has ordered the Commerce Department to begin preparations for a fresh national census, with a controversial change—leaving out people living in the country without legal status. He announced this decision on Thursday, stating that individuals who entered or stayed in the United States illegally should not be counted in the population records.

A Shift from Traditional Census Practices

In the United States, the Constitution requires that a population count, known as the census, be carried out every 10 years. Historically, the census has included all residents, regardless of whether they are citizens, legal immigrants, or undocumented migrants. This practice has been in place for decades, ensuring that population figures reflect everyone living in the country.

Trump’s latest plan marks a clear departure from this long-standing approach. By excluding undocumented immigrants from the count, the total population recorded in certain states could drop significantly. This change could directly influence how political power and federal resources are distributed across the country.

Why the Census Matters

The results of the census are far more than just numbers. They determine how many seats each state gets in the US House of Representatives—a process known as congressional apportionment. In addition, census data is used to decide the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funding for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other public services.

States with large immigrant populations, especially those with many undocumented residents, could lose political representation and funding if these individuals are excluded from the count. This has raised concerns among civil rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations, who believe the move could unfairly reduce resources for communities that need them most.

Trump’s Earlier Attempt in 2020

This is not the first time Trump has tried to change the census rules. In 2020, he proposed excluding undocumented immigrants from the official count. However, the effort faced legal challenges and was eventually blocked by a federal court. The US Supreme Court also declined to take immediate action, calling such a decision premature at the time.

Despite those setbacks, Trump is again pushing for a similar policy, aiming to have it in place for the 2030 census. His administration argues that only legal residents should be counted for the purpose of political representation and allocation of government funds.

Legal and Political Reactions Expected

Experts believe that this new plan will likely face court challenges once again, as critics argue it violates the constitutional requirement to count all residents. Supporters of the change claim it would ensure fair representation for citizens and prevent states from gaining extra political power due to undocumented populations.

As preparations for the 2030 census begin, the debate over who should be counted—and who should be left out—is set to become another major political and legal battle in the United States.