Lawsuits by Trump allies could affect the 2030 census

Two federal lawsuits by allies of Donald Trump challenge Census Bureau methods and who is counted; the bureau is proceeding with 2030 planning and plans practice runs this year.

The U.S. Census Bureau is preparing for the 2030 census while two federal lawsuits brought by allies of former President Donald Trump are pending. The cases challenge methods the bureau uses to protect participants' privacy, count people in group-living facilities, and whether people in the country illegally should be included in apportionment counts. A Democratic-aligned law firm has sought to intervene in both cases, saying it fears the Justice Department might not vigorously defend the bureau. The bureau plans to continue preparations and will conduct practice runs in six locations this year. Key facts: - America First Legal filed the Florida lawsuit contesting privacy protections and counting procedures for people in group living settings, and it seeks changes that could affect the 2020 figures and the 2030 methods. - A separate suit in Louisiana, filed by four Republican state attorneys general and the Federation for American Immigration Reform, asks that people in the United States illegally be excluded from apportionment counts. - The Elias Law Group and other outside groups have moved to intervene in both cases over concerns about the Justice Department's posture; courts have allowed some intervenors in the Florida case and are considering others in the Louisiana matter. - The Justice Department has asked that the Florida case be dismissed and has opposed lifting a stay in the Louisiana case; the Census Bureau says it is continuing its 2030 planning despite the litigation. Summary: These lawsuits could affect how the 2030 census counts people and the data used for congressional apportionment and federal funding. Court proceedings are ongoing, with motions to intervene, a dismissal request in the Florida case, and a stay under review in the Louisiana case. The Census Bureau is moving forward with preparations, including planned practice tests this year.