If enacted, HB6520 would significantly impact the way representation is calculated in Congress. By excluding non-citizens from apportionment counts, the bill may alter the representation of states with large immigrant populations, potentially reducing their electoral power. This legislative change would not only affect national representation but also influence local governance and resource allocation in communities with significant non-citizen populations. It raises questions about equity and the democratic principles of representation, particularly in states that may see a loss of representation due to this exclusion.
Summary
House Bill 6520, titled the 'No Representation Without Legal Immigration Act', seeks to amend the apportionment of Representatives and electoral votes in Congress by excluding individuals who are not citizens of the United States. The bill proposes to modify existing legislation, specifically the 1929 Act concerning the census and apportionment, to reflect this change. Under the new provisions, only citizens would be counted in the population figures used for determining the distribution of Congressional representation and electoral votes following the 2030 decennial census.
Contention
The bill has sparked mixed reactions, with proponents arguing that it ensures fair representation for legal residents and aligns with the principle that only citizens should count toward electoral representation. However, opponents view this bill as discriminatory, potentially undermining the democratic process by diminishing the political influence of communities with substantial non-citizen residents. Critics also argue that it fails to recognize the contributions of immigrants to society and economy, making the case that all residents, regardless of their legal status, should be considered in representation counts.