Beware the Census-Imposed Gerrymander

How Democrats benefit from illegal immigration

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People stand in line to vote on Election Day in Henderson, Nev., November 5, 2024.

David Swanson/Reuters

Republicans’ struggle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives has recently focused on redrawing states’ district lines, a.k.a. gerrymandering. But taken for granted and in the background is a far more consequential development, one that will result in congressional districts across the country that strongly favor Democrats.

Article I of the Constitution requires that the census — the basis for the number of members of Congress and electoral votes each state gets — include a count of all “free persons.” Today, that includes the estimated 21 million noncitizens — half of whom are likely illegal immigrants. Though these individuals are not eligible to vote in federal elections, the result nonetheless will be more Democratic seats in Congress.

Howard Husock

About the Author

Howard Husock

Howard Husock is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the author of The Projects: A New History of Public Housing.

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