Bill Summary
The "Ensuring Full Participation in the Census Act of 2026" is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Title 13 of the United States Code. The primary purpose of this bill is to prohibit the inclusion of questions related to citizenship, nationality, or immigration status in the decennial census. The bill seeks to ensure that the census remains accessible and encourages full participation from all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
Specifically, the bill modifies Section 141 to state that any questionnaire or survey used for the decennial census cannot ask about the citizenship or immigration status of respondents or their household members. However, it makes an exception for the American Community Survey, which can still include such questions. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the accuracy of census data by ensuring that all individuals feel secure in participating without fear of repercussions related to their immigration status.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Ensuring Full Participation in the Census Act of 2026" could affect people:
1. **Increased Participation Among Immigrant Communities**: By prohibiting questions on citizenship, nationality, or immigration status in the decennial census, this legislation may encourage greater participation among immigrant populations who might otherwise fear repercussions from disclosing their status. This could lead to a more accurate representation of the population, ensuring that resources and political representation are allocated more equitably.
2. **Enhanced Data Accuracy for Representation**: The absence of citizenship questions could result in a fuller count of the population, particularly in diverse communities. This could enhance the accuracy of demographic data used for redistricting and allocating federal funds, impacting public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are critical for community development.
3. **Potential Limitations on Policy Research**: While the legislation aims to protect individuals' privacy and encourage participation, it may limit the ability of researchers and policymakers to analyze trends related to citizenship and immigration status. This could affect the development of targeted policies or programs aimed at addressing specific needs within immigrant communities, as comprehensive data on these populations would be less accessible.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8062 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8062
To amend title 13, United States Code, to prohibit the use of questions
on citizenship, nationality, or immigration status in any decennial
census, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 24, 2026
Ms. Norton introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 13, United States Code, to prohibit the use of questions
on citizenship, nationality, or immigration status in any decennial
census, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ensuring Full Participation in the
Census Act of 2026''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITING CENSUS QUESTIONS ON CITIZENSHIP, NATIONALITY, OR
IMMIGRATION STATUS.
Section 141 of title 13, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a questionnaire or
survey used to carry out, or in connection with, any decennial census
of population may not include any question regarding citizenship,
nationality, or immigration status of the respondent, any family member
of the respondent, or any individual living in the respondent's
household.
``(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the survey, conducted by the
Secretary, commonly referred to as the `American Community Survey'.''.
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