We monitored our caller ID and just refused to answer the phone when they called (along with any other numbers listed as "unavailable"). The reality appears to be that recipients can refuse to comply. Well, it's just arrived in the form of a mail packet that asks volumes of personal, none of your business information. Individuals who receive the ACS must complete it or be subject to monetary penalties. It came from data mining by the Pew Research Center. and these so called representatives. While talking to the ACS lady on the phone I found out they didn't have a complete address and had sent me a form. Fiscal Year 2024 Letter to OMB Director Shalanda Young encouraging the Administration to prioritize funding for the U.S. Census Bureau and 2030 Census in its FY 2024 I am an American and this country is no greater than any other. When I got the second form I mailed it back stating I filled it out already and do not need to fill it out again. There's no excuse for making a living out of trying to intimidate American citizens and using lies about the law to create a threatening and harassing atmosphere on one's own private property. I told her to get a US Marshal with a warrant. Neither one of us filled it out, nor mailed it in. Should the phone ring and someone on the other end of the line say they're from the ACS, you don't necessarily have to take their word for it. Alternatively, you can always "nut up" when they call. Why am I in the unlucky 2.5%? We got our second ACS in the mail along with a follow up postcard. finally he told her he would call the cops if she didn't leave. Still standing on my porch, I watched her drive back by my house when she left. While we understand your assertion that this information is needed for some reason deemed important by somebody, and that the information requested will be kept strictly confidential, I respectfully decline to participate in this American Community Survey, and request that you do not misdirect further efforts to gather this private information about the members of my household from either myself or any other source. A: If you receive notice that you have been targeted to respond to the ACS and you desire to assert your right of privacy, you can voice those objections and your intent not to respond to the ACS by writing a letter to the Census Bureau. Why am I being asked what my age and birthdate are? Back to this census nonsense: I filled out the 2000 and don't owe them a thing until 2010 census. So, my husband filled it out with the lady standing at my front door. The 2019 American Community Survey counted 139.69M housing units, up 1.15M from 2018, and up 7.90M from 131.79M in 2010. Just had our 10th home visit from census people! So get a clue, and if you are so upright and truthful, use your real name. And, based on the Census, Virginia had 30 percent of the population of the United States. If you believe you are being unduly harassed by a Census Bureau employee, either by telephone or in person, it is in your best interestto carefully document the time, place and manner of the incidents and file a complaint with the U.S. Census Bureau. "Um, I filled it out twice". Are we going to let this happen? A few days ago had a census worker knock on my door. The American Community Survey (ACS) qualifies as a government program whose purpose, while seemingly benign, raises significant constitutional concerns. There are two adults and two children living at this residence. This is to help the community -- like heck. Protect yourselves and your privacy, don't complete the form! I don't think they are even aware of how intrusive this is. And my financial business is my business, provided I pay my bills and taxes which I do. Filled out the short form months ago. Since then, they have called three or four times and stopped by multiple times. Any illegal can purchase your number for any amount of money. I tossed out both copies of the ACS long form. You want me to trust the census with information that is very private? It's called the "American Community Survey", and for some who've. ACS estimates are all period estimates representing an interval of time, not a single date like April 1, 2010. The Nazis were just doing their jobs, also, "anon75478" but that doesn't make it right. These "enumerators" aren't policemen and they can't make you answer their questions or let them into your house. It seems when the phone number is given, that is when the harassment starts. Are you kidding? an American History (Eric Foner) Civil Liberties and Rights. the government was never constitutionally mandated to provide funds. If the IRS has no info on you, you're illegal anyway. Learn more about 2021 ACS data releases, including the latest release of new 2017-2021 ACS 5-year PUMS files and Variance Replicate Estimate Tables. But obviously they want to know everything about you. (address, city, county, state, zip). Continued refusal may lead to additional visits by a supervisor. The harassment is ridiculous. This is all bull. Estimates: 1-Year . The new research by the Trevor Project, which surveyed nearly 34,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 24 across the United States in fall 2021, also found that Black and nonbinary young people reported . Why would anyone want to "help the government function" (interfere in our private lives)? She stated that they lost it. In the case of direct taxes (a direct tax is a tax on property based on ownership), this provision requires Congress to apportion the tax among the individual States based on population. Title 13 section 141, subsections (a) and (d) authorize surveys. I'm contacting my congressman on this ACS issue today. Before the second visit, I posted a 'no trespassing' sign at the bottom of the stairway leading up to my garage apartment. It is widely known that in a five-year span the Bureau lost at least 672 laptops. Browse our topics and subtopics to find information and data. OK then, so why waste my time asking questions? In an age when the government has significant technological resources at its disposal to not only carry out warrantless surveillance on American citizens but also to harvest and mine that data for its own dubious purposes, whether it be crime-mapping or profiling based on race or religion, the potential for abuse is grave. I stupidly started filling out my ACS before I learned of this. I received by first survey in early December and a second one just three weeks later. Of course, I had no clothes on, not expecting a peeping tom to be looking out of the woods in the first place. Yet, it seems lately that these rights are being taken from the American people. We have been like a frog cooked in our own water slowly. Remember, it is Congress that is the creator of federal law, and the enumerator of penalties for violations of the law, not the U.S. Census Bureau. The following Q&A is provided as a resource to those who want to better understand their rights in respect to the ACS. (Don't worry there are no cops or former cops that are census workers. Census Bureau Table. Hello, Legally, yes, you are required to answer the census survey. I am sure that will go far. I hope it's not too late for us. Non parlo inglese!" It's just like a bunch of whiners. I say, "I don't care who you are. Don't be paranoid, it's only a few questions a lot of people already know about you anyway. I don't mind giving my name, the name of my spouse, children, ages and occupations but that is it. Person 33. However, while The Rutherford Institute has been made aware of Census Bureau agents engaging in harassing tactics and threatening behavior, to date, we are unaware of the Census Bureau having levied any financial penalties for non-compliance with the ACS. I will not answer and/or return this form in spite of threats of fine, imprisonment or court appearance regardless of where the threat comes from. People, what is so terrible about giving out the number of people who live in your household? 6)repeal criminal legislation like H.R. They would have to take you to court, and they haven't done that EVER. Its purpose is to keep people informed of what is going on in their local, state, or federal governments. Last census I was harassed for a while because I refused to answer the long winded privacy invading Community Survey. They think that if they exert a little authority, show you a badge, write a stern letter, that you will be too afraid to tell them that they have no right to subject you to this. I even gave them the date I mailed it on. Their job is to get the form completed, that is all. You may have noticed over the past week on the news, many articles about the new situation in American families where the wife is now the major bread winner/wage earner. We said in Boyd v. U.S., 116 U. S. 616, 630, 6 Sup. What time do I leave for work, -26:00 in the afternoon. I mentioned to a reporter for the newspaper the similarity between our government today and Hitler and he said some not so nice things to me. Millions of dollars wasted! Last year I was hounded by these people and they are back I am so glad I did not answer or call or contact them I cannot believe this information is relevant for city planningthe person above said it best. That's all it is. I remember the paperwork that I signed, highlighted the fact that it was a temporary position with no benefits of any sort. However, the gap between homeownership rates not only persists, but has grown. she said go ahead i'll wait. all this while he was getting ready for work. Happy Holidays. I did not receive the additional questionnaire. Life is too short to be so mad about insignificant things. The census person came back by a week later. They came to my door at all hours. I refused to answer these as these are not required. I think when they show up at my door, I will tell them I am house sitting for the owners who are out of town for the next six months. In 1990 I returned the long form and after a couple weeks one of their incompetents showed at my doorstep saying I hadn't returned it. I've read the Constitution now and I fail to find any foundation for anyone asking questions of this nature. Would you believe they just called again? Without the enjoyment of this right, all others would lose half their value. [The bracketed words added for clarification], Interstate Commerce Commission v. Brimson, 154 U.S. 447, 479 (May 26, 1894). Then we have to vote them out. [4] After a decennial census is conducted, states which have increases in population may gain additional seats in the House of Representatives at the expense of other states. The U.S. Census has nothing to do with Obama nor most of the accusations you are flippantly throwing up online. Yes we find the government annoying, but we could turn things around to our advantage and make things fun. If Big Brother wants to bring the law so be it. They gave up on me. And if I choose to comply, the only information they will get from me would be the number of people living in my house. No one from the Census has ever called you every hour of the day or at 9 p.m. Tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. I have contacted the media (Fox News), but no one seems to be covering this. (We filled out and mailed our census form as soon as we received it.) Proud to be American but wondering where we will be as a nation in ten years? From what I've read online about the operation methods of the Census Bureau staff that won't have any chance of avoiding a phone call "Computer Aided Telephone Interview" But I'm hoping that by telling them every time that their OMB# is expired it will shorten my interview process somewhat. For the information of the people here, Congressman Poe (Texas) and Bachmann (Minnesota)have introduced legislation to eliminate the ACS intrusive questions. --JAS. I got another call tonight, but was not here to take the call. A: Those who do not answer the ACS risk repeated overturesby mail, by phone and in personfrom Census Bureau employees seeking to compel a response. In addition, some point to the possibility of human error as a security concern over such personal and confidential information. Mind you, no return by date was given. Clemons v. Dep't of Commerce, 562 U.S. 1105 (2010). Our town boasts 90,000 citizens, but we know there are at least an additional 10,000 illegals here (yes, here in Mexifornia). so i would be prepared. I asked her if she had related my story to the supervisor. on the back it says dec 31 2011 is when approval from OMB expires. but who gets the census??? He gave his name and the number of people living here and refused to answer anything else. And the survey demands that you violate the privacy of others by supplying the names and addresses of your friends, relatives and employer. The court agreed with the defendants contention that courts have consistently considered unripe for review cases wherein there was no specific threat of enforcement or history of prosecution under the relevant statutes.. How much do I make per year? I would like to recommend an alternative method of dealing with "census workers" who show up at your door to harass you for information. The Institutes mission is twofold: to provide legal services in the defense of civil liberties and to educate the public on important issues affecting their constitutional freedoms. Please post legal options for readers when census takers are sharing personal information with neighbors! I had already been a victim of identity theft. You can't actually expect all of the decisions to be made accurately and take into account the needs at the consumer level based on a head county every 10 years. This summer I sold my house and tried to cancel my FEMA flood insurance. Ct. 524,and it cannot be too often repeatedthat the principles that embody the essence of constitutional liberty and security forbid all invasions on the part of government and its employees of the sanctity of a mans home and the privacies of his life. I clearly refused the first polite guy who called and then more firmly refused the stern woman who called next. The Legal Accountability Project is a nonprofit aimed at ensuring that as many law . Don't know if it's the "bureau" calling or not, but I'm ready for them. I just got a pretty harassing phone call from a census lady, who said I would be fined if I didn't fill this crap out. As stated in the US Constitution Article 1 Section 2: I only have to fulfill my duty as a citizen by helping you enumerate, and I'm not required to answer any questions until the next Census in 2010. Thus, if they want a specific task force to track illegals and tax invading americans, then so be it. To all the census takers who have the nerve to put their 2 cents here to tell us how safe it is, why don't you also post your personal information for us? I will not answer the questions on the American Community Survey and we all have the right and the duty to stand up against this intrusion. When a citizen does not answer the ACS within 30 days, a second ACS form is automatically mailed. She was a little surprised how I knew things about her. Three times they were soaked standing at my door. What the hell was someone on Obama's team thinking about? I am wondering is a night time visit legal? I personally do not want to answer because it's just a habit but if they did catch me off-guard, I would probably give them an answer of some sort (like I am a boyfriend who is watching my girlfriend's house while she's away with the peace corps for six months and that I already answered the census for my home a few blocks away). Now they harass us all of the time. They have done a great job keeping businesses from behaving unethically, unsafely, and preventing them from attaining wealth at the cost of human life - whether from unfair wages and industrial practices or from the mass-physiological effects (brainwashing) of citizens from the huge-budget video/audio buy-buy-buy television addiction machine, or from the shortening of each human life and the human race entirely that is the natural result of reallocating, changing, destroying natural resources to produce worthless tidbits of crap (no matter how "convenient or interesting or entertaining it may seem in the end it is crap and it won't make you happy or more lovable or life more simple or whatever their marketing department's angle is -- it is just crap that is killing all of us and wasting all those workers' lives). This is proof that the government of the USA is anything but the servant that it was created to be. Sure, businessmen could use the info -- but because someone wants it, doesn't mean that I have to give it. Anyway, this guy knocked twice or three time so I ignored him. The misinformation spewed from people here is laughable. Why don't they survey me to find out my opinion on illegal immigrants, unemployment benefits to people who have barely held a job down in their life, giving child care benefits to unwed mothers who just keep popping out babies to numerous baby-daddies, who will never pay into the system so that I can collect Social Security when I want to finally retire after 50 years of non-stop work,or putting this country into mega-debt while giving money to impoverished countries that will never help us or appreciate us. Keep up the good fight! its nothing short of communism folks!! The way I see it, subsections a and d of section 141 do not authorize a January 2010 collection of information. I am appalled by the questions asked on the ACS! Name Number and street or P.O. The census has gone outside the Constitutional limits for years with what they ask on the actual survey and now this? As a note, we live in a small, rural town so that may make a difference in whether it's worth the effort for them to continue demanding the information. If at some point they insist you are declining, plead the Fifth Amendment. I will not comply. . We told a census worker to come back on Friday at 6 p.m. Q: What is the American Community Survey (ACS)? Moreover, Title 13 of the U.S. Code allows for monetary penalties only when the ACS's inquiries are within the scope of questions included in the complete census, and only if the Secretary has [26] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/MaritalStatusHistory.pdf. Amazing. When I saw the personal and invasive nature of recent Census, I was irate. But my favorite is if anyone in my house has difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions, or difficulty dressing or bathing. Well, I wonder what he's thinking now. In the article above, it mentions the fine is per offense; but I did not read that anywhere in Title 13. I will not be returning her call. Recipients of the American Community Survey are told several times that the information given is necessary for the operation of our government, is very secure and is kept private. She stated that her supervisor sent her back out. OK anon75478: Then you won't mind answering these question will you? Once on Saturday, once on Wednesday, three times yesterday, and so far once today. I just get to pay more taxes for their tax free gain and it just is not fair. I am currently working for the Census as an enumerator. This is Government out of control. I told her not to come back or I would spray her with my garden hose. We need to take our country back. [12] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Fertility.pdf. i have nothing to hide but i shouldn't be forced to tell anyone anything and that's what makes me mad!!! He handed me the form which I took and threw in the fireplace, in his view, while he said they'll send more people out. My husband and I run a small trucking company, and we received a census form for the business. This crap has been going on for almost a month now! Start Here . Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, you can be fined up to $100 for refusing to complete a census form and $500 for answering questions falsely. Waiting for the calls, then the visits. American Community Survey. If my birth date is going to help somebody get elected or the state (district) gain an extra seat in the house, then get the expecting mothers' due dates for the year while at it. [19] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/EducationalAttainment.pdf. Keep your posts coming! I then slammed the door shut. I am becoming more and more ashamed I fought for this newly founded socialist government. How do we know who these people actually are? The 10-digit code appears above the address and to the right. [16] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Vehicles.pdf. Anyway, i thought i would turn it into something funny and started a blog. We change so quickly now compared to 40-50 years ago. I don't recall giving my cell phone out on the first census nor my customer number at my work, but she has called both. Hence, you have answered the only question required by the constitution and you might have even increased the possibility for more representatives! I insisted that the little brownshirt leave and go look in the mailroom because I was not going to do it over again-like I have nothing better to doshe said I was in BIG trouble because she could FORCE me to do it over. A previous post said this is the American Communist survey. Maybe that is why only one out of every 480 people receive it. Then, the phone calls started and they won't stop. The worker harassed him and told him he had to answer the question or he would be in trouble with the police. They can't take my free will. a race is a competition with winners and losers being monitored by individuals who are not in the running. My husband said he is going to start asking them the personal questions and leave it at that. My husband sent him away as we were eating. I wish I would have kept the census person's name. When you are counted, it helps to decide the number of representatives a state can get, as well as determining federal funding for schools and hospitals. I will fill it out and send it back to Census Bureau but I won't feel good about it. Never logged on (implicit refusal) 2.11 524 Survey completed after close of the field period 2.27 2 As one responder put it, if you only want to know the number of people, then what does race have to do with it? Similarly, the plaintiffs contest that nothing in the federal code allows for a fine for refusal to answer the American Community Survey to be considered a criminal offense. I can go on the internet and find more about you then anything the census is looking for. If they come and announce who they are, I'll simply start yelling, "Non parlo Inglese! A truly honest, upright government does not hire goons and bullies to do any work for them. And if there isn't a law protecting these rights, then we need someone to make it happen! A week later, a woman came to my door and said they hadn't received my form. BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATISTICS. A study published in 2021 by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law found that transgender people in the United States are more likely to be violently attacked than cisgender people. And then I get this BS from a government agency? We've tossed two surveys in the recycle bin. First survey last month. Census worker says "I am with the census.". Poster 235 is on to something: maybe my neighborhood can get a new school, a new hospital, and a new fire station. He used to work for the gas company and has been in my house to light my pilot lights. Keep being sheep. I am proud to be an American, but not very proud of our government. I am young and strong and will not put up with this sort of thing. City Manager; Commissioner of the Revenue It can't be done if the government is a complex, dishonest mess. I am going to avoid all traps and when it is time to have them finally come over I am going to do an international webcast and sing answers and slowly say, ohhhhh I don't know.let me think and sit there for 15 minutes for each question.everyone will know where I don't work, how much money I don't make and that I don't have plumbing and that I fart a lot That's the game the Nazi's started with in the 30's as did Stalin, with the knocks on the door and the spying on each other.