Elon Musk sounded the alarm on the impact of illegal immigration on elections, asserting that the census, including undocumented individuals, influences the distribution of political power and resources.
Musk highlighted the issue on social media, stating, “Most people in America don’t know that the census is based on a simple headcount of people (including illegals) not just citizens. This shifts political power and money to states and Congressional districts with the highest number of illegals.”
Most people in America don’t know that the census is based on a simple headcount of people (including illegals) *not* just citizens.
This shifts political power and money to states and Congressional districts with the highest number of illegals.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 3, 2024
The matter gained attention when Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., seemingly downplayed concerns over migrants filling up shelters, emphasizing the importance of the headcount in her congressional district for redistricting purposes. Responding to Musk’s post, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., endorsed an amendment to the Constitution, emphasizing that most Americans disagree with counting illegals in the census for congressional representation.
Exactly.
Rather than secure the borders, this administration and many states are rolling out the red carpet!https://t.co/FUA1TxWVMY https://t.co/6xkeY6eoHi
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 5, 2024
Massie, co-sponsoring a resolution, echoed Musk’s sentiments, stating, “True. And when they find out, most Americans disagree with the current practice of counting illegals in the census and awarding congressional representation and electoral votes based on illegals.”
The issue has spurred legislative action, with Senate Republicans introducing the Equal Representation Act. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who co-sponsored the legislation, criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the southern border, citing a 30.3% increase in non-detained docket immigration in fiscal 2023. Cramer emphasized the need to distinguish between Americans and non-Americans in the census, expressing concern about non-citizens influencing apportionment and redistricting.
The legislation gained support from several Republican senators, including Bill Hagerty, Marsha Blackburn, Mike Braun, Katie Britt, Ted Budd, Bill Cassidy, Mike Crapo, Steve Daines, Cindy Hyde-Smith, James Lankford, Mike Lee, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, Pete Ricketts, Jim Risch, Mike Rounds, Eric Schmitt, John Thune, Tommy Tuberville, and JD Vance.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter to Fox News.
