The proposed legislation would significantly alter the apportionment of congressional representatives and electoral votes by excluding non-citizens from the count. Currently, representation is based on total population figures, which include non-citizens, but the Equal Representation Act intends to shift this focus exclusively to U.S. citizens. This adjustment could reshape political representation, impacting states with large non-citizen populations, as it may reduce their representation in Congress and the Electoral College.
Summary
SB3659, known as the 'Equal Representation Act', seeks to amend how the decennial census is conducted, specifically by introducing a citizenship status question for respondents. The bill necessitates that the census include options for individuals to identify their citizenship status, including categories for U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, lawful aliens, and unlawful aliens. This change aims to enhance the accuracy of reported population statistics based on actual citizenship within the United States.
Contention
The bill raises numerous debates around issues of representation and immigration policy. Proponents argue that it rectifies the population assessment to ensure fair representation of citizens, while critics warn that it undermines the principle of inclusivity and could disenfranchise residents who are not citizens. Opposition also fears the implications for state funding, as census data is often used for federal funding allocations, which may be adversely affected by a politically motivated restriction on representation.
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