This Move Would 'Solidify GOP Victory For Decades'

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In a significant move to safeguard the integrity of American elections, a bill proposed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, with the backing of President Trump, aims to reform the U.S. Census by counting only U.S. citizens for the purpose of apportioning House seats. This legislative initiative addresses a critical issue that has long been overlooked: the inclusion of illegal immigrants in the census count, which can skew political representation and influence electoral outcomes. The bill mandates that the Census Bureau conduct a new census immediately upon enactment, focusing solely on U.S. citizens, thereby ensuring that congressional districts reflect the will of the American electorate rather than being diluted by non-citizen populations.

The rationale behind this bill is rooted in the principle that only U.S. citizens should determine the distribution of political power within the country. (We can’t believe that’s not ALREADY the case.) The current practice of including all residents, regardless of their legal status, in the census for apportionment purposes has led to a disproportionate allocation of House seats, particularly benefiting states with large illegal immigrant populations. States like California and New York, which are known for their significant numbers of unauthorized immigrants, have seen their representation in Congress inflated, potentially skewing national policy in favor of these regions. By contrast, states with smaller or no illegal immigrant populations may find themselves underrepresented, undermining the democratic principle of "one person, one vote." In fact, if this bill went through, it would ensure a Republican victory for decades, if not more.

This issue is not merely theoretical; it has practical implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives and, by extension, the Electoral College. The Pew Research Center's analysis from 2024 underscores the potential impact of excluding unauthorized immigrants from the census count. According to their findings, states like California, Florida, and Texas could each lose a congressional seat if only citizens were counted, while other states might gain representation. This redistribution would more accurately reflect the citizenry's demographic and political landscape, ensuring that electoral outcomes are not artificially influenced by non-citizen residents.

Critics of the bill may argue that excluding illegal immigrants from the census count could lead to undercounting certain areas, potentially affecting federal funding and other census-dependent allocations. However, this concern must be weighed against the broader implications for democratic representation. Federal funding and other resources can be adjusted through alternative means that do not compromise the integrity of electoral apportionment. Also, only citizens and actual legal residents should receive Federal funding. Moreover, the Constitution's mandate for the census is primarily to apportion representatives "among the several States according to their respective numbers," a directive that historically focused on citizens until recent interpretations expanded it to include all residents. The bill's emphasis on citizenship aligns with historical precedents and the original intent of the Founding Fathers. The U.S. Census was designed to ensure fair representation based on the citizen population, a principle that has been eroded by modern practices.

By returning to this foundational approach, the proposed legislation seeks to restore balance and fairness to the political process. It also addresses concerns about electoral manipulation, where the presence of large numbers of illegal immigrants could be exploited to influence voting patterns, even if these individuals do not cast ballots themselves. Furthermore, the bill's requirement for the Census Bureau to determine the citizenship of each individual is a pragmatic step toward transparency and accuracy. While some may view this as an additional burden, it is a necessary measure to uphold the integrity of the census data. The technology and methodologies available today make it feasible to distinguish between citizens and non-citizens, ensuring that the apportionment process is both fair and reflective of the true electorate.

In conclusion, the bill to exclude illegal immigrants from the U.S. Census for apportionment purposes is a vital step toward preserving the democratic integrity of the United States. It addresses a long-standing issue that has skewed representation and potentially influenced electoral outcomes, ensuring that only U.S. citizens determine the distribution of political power. By focusing on citizenship, the legislation aligns with constitutional principles and historical precedents, offering a path to a more balanced and representative government. As the nation moves forward, this reform will be crucial in maintaining the trust and fairness that are the cornerstones of American democracy.