If enacted, HB6942 would lead to significant changes in how the census is conducted and how population figures are calculated. By potentially excluding non-citizens and those without lawful presence from the population counts, the bill would alter the statistics that determine how congressional representation is allocated among states. This could result in shifts in political power, particularly in states with higher populations of non-citizens. Proponents argue that this reflects the intent of representation for legal citizens, aligning congressional districts more closely with those who have legal standing in the country.
Summary
House Bill 6942, known as the 'Count Only Citizens Act', aims to amend the process of conducting the decennial census by requiring the inclusion of a checkbox or similar option for respondents to indicate their citizenship status or lawful presence in the United States. This legislation is proposed to prevent distortions in congressional reapportionment by ensuring that only U.S. citizens and those legally present are counted in the population totals used for determining representation in Congress. The bill is particularly targeted at the 2030 decennial census and every subsequent census thereafter.
Contention
However, the bill has sparked considerable debate and contention. Critics argue that such measures could diminish the representation of certain communities, particularly in urban areas where many non-citizens reside. There are concerns regarding the implementation of the bill, including potential administrative challenges in correctly identifying citizenship status without causing fear among immigrant populations. Opponents also perceive this as an attempt to further marginalize non-citizen residents and deny them recognition in the democratic process, leading to heightened tensions around immigration issues.