Often overlooked in the debate over immigration policy and “sanctuary cities” (and now states, with California imposing noncooperation “sanctuary” policies state-wide) is the real boost that such immigrants give to the political power of these jurisdictions.

The gross population, including illegal immigrants, is counted in determining representation in the House and state legislatures, rather than the citizen population. Therefore, the more undocumented residents a jurisdiction has, the more legislative seats it gets, both in Washington and in its state capitol.