Therefore. Mr. President. this amendment that I introduced a few minutes ago would prevent the use of census figures which would include undocumented aliens for apportionment of the House of Representatives. My proposal directs the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that undocumented aliens shall not be counted for apportionment purposes. At the outset I must vigorously state that the legislation is not designed to be an antiimmigration proposal. It is not designed. implicitly or explicitly. to hinder the legal immigration process. However. Mr. President. it is designed to ensure proper apportionment so that all citizens in the United States will receive the opportunity to be heard. The opportunity for participation in governing through an undiluted ballot box is part and parcel of government in America. Consequently. to realize this opportunity. the undocumented alien must not be counted for apportionment purposes. My proposal. this amendment now before the Senate. does not impede upon the constitutional protections that have been legislatively sanctioned and judicially recognized to apply to undocumented aliens as well as to citizens and resident aliens. Conversely. Mr. President. my proposal provides implementation of the concept of equal protection under the laws for those American citizens who would be adversely affected by the conclusion of these undocumented aliens. The mere inclusion of illegal aliens in census figures for House of Representatives apportionment purposes violates the notion of selfgovernment and eradicates the communitys process of political selfdefinition. This occurs when an affected States voting strength is weakened and qualified voters are placed in an impracticable position. visavis qualified voters of States with a large undocumented alien population. Thus. Mr.
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undocumented immigration antiimmigration illegal aliens