It is foolhardy to ignore information that does not align with our politics or beliefs. In fact, it is short-sighted and, perhaps, dangerous. Yet, President Trump instructed the Commerce Department to change the way the Census Bureau collects data, seeking to exclude immigrants in the United States illegally. The president said on his social media platform the census’ data collections will be based on “modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024.”
This is an indication he might try to inject his politics into survey work that measures everything from child poverty to business operations. The U.S. Census is a cornerstone of American democracy and governance. It determines how congressional seats are apportioned, how federal funding is distributed, and how planning and policy decisions are made.
For the Census to fulfill its purpose, it must accurately reflect the population of the country. That means everyone residing in the United States – regardless of citizenship status – must be counted, including immigrants. The U.S. Constitution mandates a count of “the whole number of persons in each state,” not just citizens or eligible voters. This language was deliberately chosen to ensure representation is based on population, not on legal status.
If immigrants are excluded, it creates a distortion in representation, especially in states and cities with large immigrant populations. Congressional seats and Electoral College votes would be misallocated, effectively silencing the voices of entire communities. We suspect that is precisely part of the plan.
But there are other potential effects. Each year, more than $1.5 trillion in federal funds are distributed to states and localities based on population counts. These funds support public schools, hospitals, transportation infrastructure and social services. Assuming immigrants are not counted, areas with high immigrant populations will receive less funding than they need. This doesn’t just hurt immigrant communities – it impacts everyone who shares those roads, schools, and health facilities.
This comes down to a matter of trust. This is just one more step toward deepening mistrust in government institutions. Many immigrant families already live in fear of discrimination or deportation (especially right now) and efforts to exclude them from the Census can make them feel even more marginalized.
This not only harms the individuals left out, but it also erodes the social fabric of the nation. Democracy will be strongest when everyone feels seen and heard – and included.
Excerpted from the Times Argus, Steve Pappas, August 8, 2025.
