What's happened
Missouri's lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, seeks to exclude undocumented immigrants from census counts used for apportionment, claiming it would better reflect citizens. The case challenges the constitutional interpretation and has implications for federal funding and political representation.
What's behind the headline?
The Missouri lawsuit signals a significant shift in how census data could be used for political advantage. By seeking to exclude non-citizens and undocumented immigrants, the case aims to redefine the basis of apportionment, potentially favoring Republicans and non-Hispanic whites. This move challenges the longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which mandates counting 'the whole number of persons' in each state. If successful, it could lead to a fundamental overhaul of census methodology, impacting federal funding, congressional districts, and electoral votes. The case also reflects ongoing partisan battles over immigration and voting rights, with implications for future census operations and political power distribution. The Biden administration and census officials have maintained that the current legal interpretation includes all residents, but the case introduces the possibility of a more restrictive approach, which could distort representation and resource allocation. The outcome will likely influence legislative efforts and court rulings in the coming years, shaping the future of American democracy.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the lawsuit, filed by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, aims to exclude undocumented immigrants from census counts, claiming it would better reflect citizens and improve representation. The article highlights that this effort is part of a broader Republican strategy, including pending lawsuits and legislation, to alter how population data is used for apportionment. AP News echoes this perspective, emphasizing that the lawsuit challenges the constitutional interpretation that includes all residents, regardless of legal status. Both sources note that previous attempts, such as Trump's directives and the use of citizenship questions, have faced legal hurdles, but the current case represents a renewed push to redefine census data usage. The AP article also discusses the use of questions from the American Community Survey in recent census tests, which controversially included a citizenship question, raising concerns about the integrity of the data collection process. Overall, the coverage underscores the political motivations behind these legal challenges and the potential consequences for American democracy.
How we got here
The lawsuit follows efforts by Republican officials to alter census procedures, including previous attempts to add a citizenship question and exclude non-citizens from apportionment figures. The Census Bureau has historically interpreted the 14th Amendment to include all residents, regardless of legal status. The case is part of broader political debates over census data and representation, intensified by former President Trump's directives and ongoing legislative proposals.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What is Missouri’s lawsuit about regarding the census?
Missouri's recent lawsuit aims to change how census data is used for political representation by excluding undocumented immigrants from counts. This legal challenge raises important questions about how population data influences elections, federal funding, and the future of census procedures. Below, we explore the key aspects of this case and what it could mean for American democracy.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United States Census Bureau is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy. The Census Bureau is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and its director is appointed
-
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
-
Catherine Lucille Hanaway is an American attorney, former federal prosecutor and Republican candidate for Missouri Governor who served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri from 2005 to 2009, and as the first and only female S