Missouri Census Method Challenge
State of Missouri et al v. United States Department of Commerce et al
An anti-voting lawsuit seeking to block undocumented individuals and temporary visa holders from being counted in the 2030 U.S. Census.
Background
The State of Missouri and three Missouri citizens filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the U.S. Census Bureau’s policy to count undocumented individuals and temporary visa holders in the 2020 Census. They are seeking to block the policy for the 2030 Census. Plaintiffs assert that “federal representation is being stolen from states who uphold immigration law” and transferred to states “harboring illegal aliens.” The lawsuit alleges that if undocumented individuals were not included in the 2020 U.S. Census, Missouri would have one additional congressional seat. Plaintiffs ask the court to declare that the 2020 Census method violated federal law, require the U.S. Census Bureau to “redo” the 2020 Census, and prohibit undocumented individuals and temporary visa holders from being counted in the 2030 Census.
Why It Matters
This lawsuit reflects broader GOP efforts to dilute the representation of minority voters and decrease funding to Democrat-led states. However, other Republican states such as Texas, which has one of the largest undocumented populations in the country, may also be negatively impacted by Missouri’s proposed Census changes, which could reduce their congressional apportionment.
Latest Updates
- Feb. 12, 2026: The court will allow defendants to respond before issuing rulings on plaintiffs’ motion for a three-judge panel, and proposed-intervenor defendants’ motion to intervene.
- Feb. 9, 2026: OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, Make the Road New York, New York Immigration Coalition, and Fiel Houston filed a motion to intervene as defendants.
- Jan. 30, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.