In a recent Senate hearing, Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, expressed his concerns about the ongoing border crisis and discussed his plans to introduce legislation that would put a citizenship question on the census. The proposed bill, known as the Equal Representation Act, aims to prevent non-citizens from being counted for congressional apportionment.
The draft of the legislation, obtained by Digital, outlines the requirement for a citizenship question on the decennial census. Respondents would be asked whether they are citizens, resident non-citizens, or illegal immigrants. The bill further mandates that non-citizens should not be included in the apportionment of congressional districts. Currently, all individuals, including resident non-citizens and illegal immigrants, are counted for redistricting purposes.
Senator Hagerty’s initiative comes as Republicans have long-standing concerns that Democrats may benefit electorally from a surge in illegal immigrants. These immigrants often settle in liberal areas with extensive social services, right-to-shelter laws, and sanctuary policies that impede federal immigration enforcement.
The legislation, if passed, will be implemented in the 2030 census and beyond. It echoes former President Donald Trump’s attempt to include a citizenship question on the census, which was rejected by the Supreme Court due to insufficient reasoning. Although Trump had considered using an executive order, the question was ultimately omitted from the census.
The issue of including a citizenship question resurfaces as the influx of migrants into the United States continues to escalate the ongoing border crisis. Cities like New York City, Chicago, and states like California could potentially see their numbers increase due to the larger population of illegal immigrants residing there.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, over a million people have been released into the U.S. as a result of the border crisis. Border Patrol agents have been reported to release over 85% of migrants into the interior. These statistics and the concerns raised by Republicans highlight the urgency of addressing the issue of counting non-citizens in congressional apportionment.
In a recent viral moment, comments made by Representative Yvette Clarke, a Democrat from New York, drew attention when she mentioned the need for more people in her district for redistricting purposes. This remark caught the attention of commentators, including prominent figure Elon Musk.
Meanwhile, Representative Matt Rosendale, a Republican from Montana, introduced similar legislation in the House as part of a comprehensive package addressing immigration issues.
Senator Hagerty’s proposed legislation seeks to address the concerns surrounding the border crisis and ensure the integrity of congressional apportionment. The topic of including a citizenship question on the census is of significant importance, given its potential impact on future elections and representation.
Adam Shaw, a politics reporter for Digital, specializes in covering immigration and border security. For more updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews, follow him on Twitter or contact him via email at [email protected].
