Los Angeles County Takes Action Against Proposed Census Rule Changes

Solis motion aims to protect constitutional census count and critical federal resources

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved a motion authored by Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis opposing a U.S. Census Bureau proposal that would exclude certain immigrants from the population count used to apportion seats in the House of Representatives.

On Sept. 9, 2026, the Census Bureau proposed changes to how people living in the United States would be counted in the 2030 Census. The changes would redefine a person’s “usual residence” to exclude immigrants of certain legal statuses from the population count used to determine congressional representation. They would also exclude some immigrants who are lawfully present in the country but do not hold lawful permanent resident status. Separately, the Bureau has proposed eliminating questions about race, ethnicity and sexual orientation from census questionnaires.

“The Constitution does not allow the federal government to pick and choose who counts,” said Board Chair Solis. “The census has long counted people where they live, regardless of immigration status. Excluding residents from the count would reduce representation and jeopardize funding that supports health care, housing, education and other essential services. Los Angeles County will continue to stand up for a fair and accurate census.”

The motion directs the Chief Executive Office’s Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Branch, in consultation with the Office of Immigrant Affairs, to send a five-signature letter to the director of the U.S. Census Bureau expressing the County’s opposition. The motion also directs the County to submit public comments and monitor legal challenges to the changes.