Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Census Accuracy Act of 2017” .
Census Accuracy Act of 2017
A BILL
To amend title 13, United States Code, to require that any questionnaire used in determining the decennial census of population shall contain an option for respondents to indicate citizenship status or lawful presence in the United States, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Citizenship or lawful presence status on census questionnaires
Section 141 of title 13, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
“(g) In conducting the 2020 decennial census and each decennial census thereafter, the Secretary shall include in any questionnaire distributed or otherwise used for the purpose of determining the total population by States—
“(1) a checkbox or other similar option for respondents to indicate whether the respondent is a citizen or national of the United States, is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United State, is an alien who otherwise has lawful status under the immigration laws, or none of these; and
“(2) in connection with the option relating to status under the immigration laws, a question regarding which Federal program or provision of law accorded the respondent such status.”