Recent warnings from immigration experts about the consequences of illegal immigration on House seats and Electoral College votes in upcoming elections have left me grappling with a sense of urgency to ensure my voice is heard.

The source of this concern stems from an executive order signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, mandating that the U.S. Census Bureau includes all residents, regardless of citizenship status, in its population count. While my sympathies lie with those seeking a better life in America, the potential political ramifications cannot be ignored.

According to a conservative estimate, approximately 16.8 million illegal aliens currently reside in the United States. Some argue that the actual number might be even higher, painting a worrisome picture for the future political landscape. When considering that the average House seat represents 761,168 residents, the inclusion of illegal immigrants could potentially account for 22 House seats, a significant number that may sway the balance in future elections.

The Electoral College, a crucial aspect of presidential elections, allocates votes to states based on their representation in the House. Consequently, states gaining additional House seats, such as New York due to its sanctuary city policies, would also gain extra Electoral College votes. This scenario, as pointed out by Mark Krikorian, the executive director at the Center for Immigration Studies, is deemed outrageous by many, as illegal immigrants were never intended to be included in the census count for apportionment purposes.

In response to these concerns, Republican lawmakers have introduced the Equal Representation Act, aimed at excluding non-citizens from the Census Bureau’s counts. However, the current political landscape, with a Democratic President and Senate, makes it unlikely for such legislation to pass.

Looking at the bigger picture, the next census is not scheduled until 2030, meaning the immediate impact may not affect the upcoming election. Nevertheless, the urgency to address this issue is undeniable. If left unattended, we risk granting political representation to roughly 20 million illegal immigrants, primarily concentrated in Democratic strongholds.

While I am sympathetic to all immigrants, I find myself torn between the desire to welcome those in search of a better life and the concern that our political system may be unduly influenced. While the Equal Representation Act may face challenges in the current political climate, concerned citizens must engage in dialogue, express their views, and actively participate in shaping the future of our nation. Ensuring fair and representative governance requires a delicate balance, one that recognizes the humanity of immigrants while preserving the integrity of our democratic processes.