Reflection: The Census is a Count, Not a Test of Allegiance

On November 2, the U.S. Census Bureau will conclude the public comment period regarding a Trump Administration proposal that seeks to redefine who is counted in America. This effort appears to systematically attempt to remove immigrants from being part of the American demographic tally. The proposed regulations would exclude not only undocumented immigrants but also those who are legally residing in the U.S. but have not yet obtained green cards or citizenship. Moreover, it suggests the removal of questions regarding race, ethnicity, and gender identity.

The Enumeration Clause from the U.S. Constitution originally mandated that an accurate count of the population must occur every ten years. It ensures fair representation and tax distribution among states, emphasizing the importance of accuracy. Following the Civil War, the Fourteenth Amendment established that the total number of individuals in each state counts toward representation, irrespective of citizenship status. Trump’s prior efforts to exclude undocumented immigrants from population counts faced judicial obstacles, ultimately leading to a revocation of a presidential memorandum by President Biden. Now, Trump’s new proposal seeks to extend this exclusion to all non-citizens who lack permanent residency.

Eliminating the collection of race and ethnicity data from the census is equally concerning, as this information is crucial for equitable distribution of numerous federal funds for services such as healthcare, education, and public safety. For instance, census data significantly affects federal allocations, evidenced by the $8.26 billion that Alaska received in FY2020. The absence of demographic data could impede efforts to address inequalities and effectively allocate federal resources. This initiative might also discourage immigrants from participating in the census out of fear of potential repercussions, despite existing legal protections around confidentiality. Alaskans have until November 2 to share their views on this matter, as the implications of this proposed change could greatly affect community resources and representation.