The Trump administration has introduced a proposed overhaul to the rules governing the 2030 census that would exclude immigrants without green cards from the population count and eliminate questions about race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. These changes mark a significant departure from longstanding census practices, which have historically counted all residents regardless of immigration status and collected demographic data to guide federal resource distribution and civil rights enforcement.

Published online on Wednesday, the proposed regulations would redefine who qualifies as a U.S. resident for census purposes by excluding not only undocumented immigrants but also those with certain legal statuses lacking permanent residency. The administration argues that undocumented immigrants do not possess a “sufficient tie and allegiance” to the United States, while legal immigrants without green cards have “less durable and indefinite” status. This adjustment could substantially affect the allocation of congressional seats and billions of dollars in federal funding, particularly in areas with large immigrant populations.

The administration is also considering adding an immigration status question to the census, a move civil rights groups warn could deter immigrant participation due to fears of government retaliation. Furthermore, the removal of questions about race and ethnicity follows a directive from the White House to eliminate federal efforts focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Officials cite national debates questioning the relevance and impact of racial and ethnic categorization as justification for reassessing these data collection practices.

The proposed changes have drawn criticism from demographers and civil rights advocates who warn of negative consequences. Experts highlight that federal data on race, ethnicity, and other demographics are critical for identifying systemic disparities and informing anti-discrimination policies. Critics argue that excluding portions of the immigrant population from the census runs counter to the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which requires counting all persons residing in each state. Past efforts by President Trump to alter the census, including a failed attempt to add a citizenship question in 2020, faced legal challenges and strong pushback from census officials.

Several states and civil rights groups are already considering legal action to block the proposed changes. New York Attorney General Letitia James stated her office is exploring challenges based on the constitutional mandate to count every person living in the United States regardless of immigration status.

While the Trump administration’s proposals represent a significant shift in federal census policy, their implementation faces substantial legal and procedural obstacles. The regulations would come into effect after the 2028 presidential election, potentially allowing future administrations to modify or reverse them. The Commerce Department, responsible for conducting the census, has not commented on the proposals.