Commerce Department Proposes Restricting National Census To U.S. Citizens Only

PUBLISHED Sep 10, 2026, 9:54 AM ET

The United States Department of Commerce proposed modifying the national census to count exclusively United States citizens and permanent residents. Officials stated the administration will seek public feedback regarding whether temporary legal status holders, including refugees and student visa holders, should be excluded from official population totals. The proposed regulatory adjustments would additionally eliminate questionnaire inquiries concerning race and ethnicity, which the department deemed immaterial to the constitutional mandate for conducting an enumeration. Historically, race and ethnicity datasets have functioned as primary information resources for enforcing civil rights protections and voting rights legislation. This announcement immediately generated intense criticism from congressional Democrats and civil rights organizations, who asserted the modifications would substantially alter federal funding distributions and congressional seat redistricting across multiple states. Critics warned that narrowing the enumeration criteria would disproportionately impact high-immigrant municipalities and states by reducing financial allocations for critical public infrastructure, educational programs, and healthcare services.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 38
Right Leaning:: 3
Left Leaning:: 5
Neutral:: 30

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Left: Framing emphasizes civil rights threats and voting power dilution. Center: Framing reports policy details and partisan political reactions neutrally. Right: Framing highlights constitutional alignment and immigration enforcement priorities.