A new peer-reviewed study reveals that including a citizenship question on U.S. census forms would likely decrease participation, especially among underrepresented groups. Researchers emphasize that this could further distort population counts used for political representation and federal funding. The findings highlight existing disparities in response rates among different demographics, showing that non-U.S. citizens may be particularly sensitive to such questions. Misty Heggeness, one of the lead researchers, states that the citizenship question could widen the existing gaps in census participation, raising concerns about fair representation and resource distribution.
Misty Heggeness notes there's 'already a huge gap' in census participation rates among different demographics, and a citizenship question increases that gap even more.
The study indicates that adding a citizenship question would likely exacerbate existing disparities in census response rates among U.S. residents.
The findings imply that the controversial citizenship question could derail accurate population counts, which are crucial for political representation and federal funding.
Researchers found that response rates for underrepresented groups would likely drop further if census forms included a citizenship question.
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