When does their employment end, and shouldn't they be thanking these non-compliant people for extending their pay a bit longer? [4] The number of seats in the House of Representatives was established by Congress at 435 in 1911 and capped at that amount by Congress in 1929, although the number was temporarily increased to 437 in 1959 when Alaska and Hawaii were admitted to the Union. The US government already has all the information they need on people who file their annual income tax. I was told that they get thousands of calls per day of people complaining about the ACS. Box/Route Number Area code. She was a little surprised how I knew things about her. I emailed my Congressman (John Larson, CT) twice, over a month ago, but he (and/or his staff) has failed to reply by e-mail or phone. According to Title 13, Section 221 (Census, Refusal or neglect to answer questions; false answers) of the United States Code, persons who fail or refuse to respond to the mail-back census form, or refuse to respond to a follow-up census taker, could be fined up to $100. We randomly sample addresses in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. I have half a mind to call the local news media and tell them this story. What the hell was someone on Obama's team thinking about? Browse our topics and subtopics to find information and data. I had already been a victim of identity theft. I am grateful for this siteI just got the survey in the mail and felt very intimidated into having to complete it.or else. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Mansoura University institutional research board with approval number: R.22.03.1639. In other contexts, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that citizens have no obligation to answer questions posed by the government and are free to refuse to do so. I let her know that I understood their game and wasn't going to play, and she said she would record me as a refusal. As a consequence, conspiracy theories flourished and quickly spread. Me and my family were properly counted on census day 2010. Uncle Sam gets my money but what happens in my home stays in my home. I said if this "government guy" wanted to talk to me, I would immediately reserve my right to remain silent until I was represented by counsel. [27] Andrew Reamer, To Take a Bite Out of Crime: Safeguard the Census, https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/to-take-a-bite-out-of-crime-safeguard-the-census/. Thank you, wonderful conspiracy theorists for repeatedly posting erroneous information on here and showing everyone that you truly have no life. i told her no, she kept asking, i kept telling her no and eventually snuck in my apartment when she drove to park. Is there anything I can do about this? This all happened while I was watching from my porch. (I was astonished to note that apparently only about 12,000 households have resisted so far.) Wrong. U.S. Census Bureau Notice and Consent Warning You are accessing a United States Government computer network. If you can't see why many people have a problem with the ACS then I'll never be able to explain it to you. It's hard to believe that a patriotic, high school social studies teacher, and law-abiding citizen, such as myself, could be compelled to suggest such civil disobedience--but here I am, and hear me loud. I don't think they are even aware of how intrusive this is. As a result, Congressional districts will need to be redrawn. Should all of us contact our local media so that everyone knows about ACS? Has anyone else who refused to comply have any information about penalties/fines actually being enforced to date? Please show me where the US Census Bureau was given the right to fine you or even where they are mentioned in these laws? If they are "anonymous" why do they need my name, telephone number and race? I will not submit. However, the ACS wants to know what time my husband and I leave for work each day, our employer's address, our work location address (if different from our employer's) and if we commute via car, carpool or public transportation. The census asks for the number of people who "stayed at your house on April 1, 2010." The American Community Survey is an offshoot of the census, but the ACS is done every year. The survey taker shows up at the residence unannounced to request that the resident comply with the survey or otherwise face potential legal repercussions. Clemons v. Dep't of Commerce, 562 U.S. 1105 (2010). The last thing the execs at the Census Bureau want to see is a video of one of their "enumerators" on YouTube, the Six O'clock News, or in Congress or a courtroom harassing and threatening a citizen/voter with a big fine or jail time if that person refuses to give out the personal details of his life to a perfect stranger. We didn't receive phone calls first, we had two visits at 7 p.m. from this lady with her little laptop. By the way, the is a new grassroots site that is just starting called Town Roots. A: The ACS is not sent to all households. I too am going to do the same. When we allow them to manipulate us, we turn into "sheeple.". I have now been visited six times already. You are a perfect example of why people should be outraged by the ACS. Your response is required by law. thanks for answering back with any helpful info. I'm sorry you feel the need to spread such fear and lies. Then you've got them by the balls. Washington and California residents have filed a class action in which they object to being asked to participate in the American Community Survey. Start Here . [11] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Computer.pdf. I've been through one round of the no-response ordeal back in '08 and everything turned out just fine. A: While the Census Bureau claims that an individuals information will be kept strictly confidential,[28] it does require a recipient to put their name on the survey, ostensibly for the purpose of asking follow-up questions in the event of missing or incomplete answers.[29]. Call your senators and congressman now and lets get these commie creeps out of our lives and off our backs. Don't be paranoid, it's only a few questions a lot of people already know about you anyway. I looked the form up online and balked at the intrusiveness of the question. The way I see it, subsections a and d of section 141 do not authorize a January 2010 collection of information. I, too, have been harassed by the Census Bureau. !Now I have to pay for temp workers who have my private info to sell overseas maybe???? They never say that they are going to fine you. My husband said he is going to start asking them the personal questions and leave it at that. This was mailed to me approximately three months ago. No way was I going to submit that kind of info. i have nothing to hide but i shouldn't be forced to tell anyone anything and that's what makes me mad!!! About the American Community Survey Our Constitution is being dismantled before our eyes, but this will be one stand we'll make and keep encouranging others to do the same. I said yes for about the third time and hung up. I received the ACS form yesterday and read it through just to see the questions. Other than that, the sky is the limit. Now, Bob and Joan Rapier say their. This info is also for the number of State Senators and Congressmen. [18] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/MortgageSMOC.pdf. I repeatedly told her that I gave the legal information I am required by law and that is how many people live here. That and the census has been used in the past to identify people of Japanese, German, and Italian descent. Came back the very next day, and told my husband that he has full authority to open it and if we don't comply then we will be fined anywhere from $100-5000, and the marshal would be accompanying him tomorrow to arrest my husband if we don't comply. I again said no. He had to come through a closed gate. I received your American Community Survey some time ago, and shortly thereafter returned the survey, including only the information you are authorized to collect, and I am required to provide, per the requirements of Article I, Section 2, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution, that is, the number of persons in our household, for the purposes of proper apportionment of our US Congressional representation. It is pages and pages of personal questions. But I can promise I'll promptly feed it to my hungry paper shredder. Life lived in paranoia and bitterness is not worth living. She left. They insisted that the ACS did not receive it and wanted the information again. We haven't been bothered since. Then I asked the census taker her birth date, and I again got no answer. I told her it would be easier for all of us if she did so. I will not be returning her call. Public servants are just public burdens and every time their benefits cost more I have to pay for them and I don't even have any myself!!! The Rutherford Institute I didn't believe him until he showed me the book. I don't believe the ACS should, or has the right, to require more. Before the second visit, I posted a 'no trespassing' sign at the bottom of the stairway leading up to my garage apartment. Protect yourselves and your privacy, don't complete the form! I heard I had to answer the questions or face a possible fine of $5000.00 so I answered the questions. The second time I got a call, I followed the recommendation of a fellow patriot. Section (d) authorizes every 10 years starting 1985. I was told if I didn't answer then his supervisor would come out and if I didn't respond to his supervisor, they would return with a Larimer County Sheriff and then I would have to answer or else! You want me to trust the census with information that is very private? Moreover, the survey of about 100 questions asks about private health information and how much in taxes and utility bills a household pays, and even about how many beds, cars, and washing machines the household has, the complaint relays. If you got grilled before then they are trying to find out the change in your situation over time. 1. I will report her actions to our manager and possibly to her supervisor. How am I supposed to know who these people are? Corrado Rizzi is the Senior Managing Editor of ClassAction.org. At first, I completed the survey, sealed it in the envelope, and then did not send it. Back in 2003 or so we also received a very long census questionnaire, with information I did not want to publish. Happy Holidays. [17] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Disability.pdf. She said they don't do that. "I'm afraid my trees are eating the elephants, now." The calls started Wednesday. When I saw the personal and invasive nature of recent Census, I was irate. [29] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Name.pdf. It gives a little glimmer of hope for this country. I told him that on the advice of my attorney I had shredded the form. The more I looked at it, the more I realized how unconstitutional and invasive it is. The survey also demands to know how many days you were sick last year, how many automobiles you own and the number of miles driven, whether you have trouble getting up the stairs, and what time you leave for work every morning, along with highly detailed inquiries about your financial affairs. I have yet to fill one out. The highly sensitive personal information provided on the ACS form gets keyed into a master data bank. Now.I look forward to answering that door, cell in hand, and pressing the "video record" button. Estimates: 1-Year. S1901 INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2021 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) View All 23 Products. The census has gone outside the Constitutional limits for years with what they ask on the actual survey and now this? Since when has the Federal government come to my door or anyone elses and said "We want to help you get your road paved" or any other helpful act, and then asked me for my help by filling out a form to prove the necessity? Are we having a problem differentiating between the Census and the ACS? I got no answer. Anything that you answer can be used for this book, which is usually for your town, county, etc. To sign up for updates please enter your email address. My caller id usually reads 'unavailable' or 'out of area'. Because the rich have been given free passes by laws created by and for the rich, we must beware these so called laws they create. This is such an invasion of privacy. Dr. Richard Pan is an innovative, dynamic, mission-driven health care leader with over thirty-five years of experience in health policy and public health as pediatrician, educator and legislator. I sent in the Census form (and that's all I'm required to provide). The highly sensitive personal information provided on the ACS form gets keyed into a master data bank. I live in the ghetto already. a race is a competition with winners and losers being monitored by individuals who are not in the running. How do we know who these people actually are? Fight the power. We keep refusing them and they keep threatening us. 4) If they do not agree to answer any personal questions, assume the Hannibal Lecter voice and say "Tut, tut, tut. They are instilling fear. With enough people, we can make a change. Now, I want to know how we go about suing these senseless census idiots! If that thing were to get lost or some person where I mailed it, there's a lot of things that I don't want them to have. 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? Way too much info requested (stuff I wouldn't tell my friends, let alone the government!!) At this point, according to the Census Bureau, a non-respondent has a 21% chance of being personally visited by a survey taker. Learn the different ways to respond to the American Community Survey -- online, by phone, by email. He asked me about a census employee who visited my home the prior week. To posters 190 and 191: Thank you for your input and advice. The American Community Survey is mailed to 2.5% of the American population to collect statistical information for city planning. Don't remember getting the long form but if I did, I would have tossed it unopened since I already did my duty filling out the census and mailing it in. Thank God I'm not the only one questioning the Constitutionality of this blatant invasion of personal privacy. The agent asked about receiving the survey and I informed him that mailed addressed to "resident" was not the responsibility of any named occupant to open but I was also familiar with the unconstitutional intrusion of the personal questions in such a survey and the corporate partners with which the data is shared. It can't be done if the government is a complex, dishonest mess. Then we have to vote them out. Nevertheless, fines and legal action are technically possible. I replied you already have our ages and that we are members of the human race. She left me with a notice of visit with her name and I suppose her personal phone number. Today I received a notice in the mail from the Census Bureau Director, Robert M. Groves, advising me that next week I'll receive a 2010 Census form in the mail and would I fill it out and mail it in promptly. A locked padlock First in a 2021 survey, support for hard authoritarianism is low, as only 9% of U.S. faculty were willing to support various dismissal campaigns and only 7-18%, depending on the issue, supported ousting a dissenting academic. A previous post said this is the American Communist survey. 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. Then two weeks later a reminder to fill it out. (ACS questions 1, 3 and 4), 3. With a president and congress that constantly lie about everything, how do they expect me to believe that the information on the Census form is truly confidential? It seems to me that *all* the information they need and want should be available to them from our 1040's. He said, "I'll see what I can do." At that point I stepped in and said goodbye. Our government is abusive, tyrannical and murderous. I thought the purpose of census was for representation purposes. I am an american citizen and i will not be forced to give my personal information! A couple were friendly; one sounded very "authoritative" and intimidating. This person has stopped to "chat" with the neighbors, asking who lives in our home, how many people, what their names are, what our schedules are. But seriously, It's not about conspiracy theories. Now the latest. The American Community Survey is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. [10] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/JourneytoWork.pdf. Neither one of us filled it out, nor mailed it in. I just received the ACS survey and will not be sending it in. She informed me if I did not answer her questions, eventually the county sheriff would come. Chinese officials knew nothing about the virus before the pandemic emerged. 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 . Some hypothesize that the Census Bureau will not take legal action against, or pursue fines for, noncompliance with the ACS because doing so would likely attract much negative media attention. I put up with some minor harassment and then after a few weeks it stopped. You can search the internet and find many references to threats of a fine, but you won't find anyone who has ever been fined. The states need to reassert their rights back from the federal government. Help people, can I really get fined if I don't fill this crap out? Ive requested that you respect my privacy once, in writing, in the note I returned with your survey. If anyone would love to start a case action in this matter feel free to get a hold of me. I will file a class action suit against the Government if they continue to harass me and hope to gain momentum in order to force the government to be liable for any information lost on their part. While the long form was administered once a decade to a sample of households receiving the universal short-form census, the ACS is an ongoing survey of 3.5 million addresses annually (295,000 homes/month). The second visit, I handed him a sealed census envelope, and he came back and left a note that the computer kicked it out. Alternatively, you can always "nut up" when they call. Well, our credit cards, social security numbers, and who knows what else, are now being used by illegal aliens and fraudulent companies. anon88369: Census enumerators have every right to walk onto your property if they are assigned to do a questionnaire for your address. You can find the ACS forms on the Census web site under ACS. Actually: for thoe who think you can merely fill out the form and not be called, that's a lie! [19] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/EducationalAttainment.pdf. He ignored the legality but admitted there were corporate sponsors involved. then maybe somebody will get the hint that we don't want our lives invaded. That's all it is. I answered nothing else and therefore did not lie on a government form. ), vacated sub nom. This means your answers can and most likely will be linked to you even if it is forbidden by law to share your individual responses. Q: Has the government prosecuted persons for refusing to answer the American Community Survey? I have no problem with telling folks how many people, even our ages and nationalities. Last Updated on January 20, 2023 4:42 PM, subject to fines of up to $5,000 per question. I read him the 4th Amendment which states, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." You cannot be fined or worse for not filling out the survey. The information from the Census should suffice for the allotment of federal funds for schools and roads. [34] http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/04/will-kinder-gentler-census-survey-placate-congressional-foes. The two plaintiffs contest that unlike the 10-year Census, the American Community Survey is posed to a sample of a few million households each year, and those who refuse to answer the questionnaire are subject to fines of up to $5,000 per question. The case contends that the federal Census Bureau lacks the statutory and constitutional authority to force the plaintiffs and proposedclass membersto answer the American Community Surveys detailed, intrusive questions., [The plaintiffs] have in the past and will continue in the future to answer the ten-year Census, the suit states. The Legal Accountability Project. You wonder why people are reluctant to give out information. A: The American Community Survey, a questionnaire produced by the Census Bureau, not only asks about the number of persons in a household but also asks a broad range of questions about the activities of the people living in the household. And the survey demands that you violate the privacy of others by supplying the names and addresses of your friends, relatives and employer. It's called the "American Community Survey", and for some who've. Three times they sent people to our door, and three times I walked out the back door, and turned on the water. this is the letter I sent the census bureau. You need to stop peering in my window and you need to leave right away." they have called me several times and asked what I did with it. Mine went in the shredder, and I ignored the phone calls. That seems to be the end of it, but only time will tell. ACS was conducted vigorously and continuously during the presidency of George W. Bush. If Americans wish to be free of judicial tyranny, they must at least develop basic knowledge of the judicial role in our republican government. Then why am I being asked what my race is? Government entities do illegal things. That went into the fire. During such calls the survey taker reminds the resident that compliance with the ACS is mandatory. These questions clearly violate any privacy guaranteed to me by the US Constitution and over step the Census Bureaus authority. They even sent me a Federal Express package telling me how important the information they still wanted to collect was. 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. I'll give you potential issues with being counted. I will not answer the questions on the ACS. According to some accounts, those recipients who chose not to return the form and did not respond to phone calls or private visits appeared to be hassled the least. When I did return it, I left off my personal business. I never did get ahold of the idiot at Commerce- she sure had lots of vacation time. any lawyers looking for some pro bono work ready to take up this issue? I am appalled by the questions asked on the ACS! I have contacted all of my federal and state Representatives and it is time they passed a census privacy act. When we do the ACS on the phone, we do not ask for your SS #, we do not ask how many times you go to the bathroom. You don't want your personal information in some library, online or in an archives someday do you? If at some point they insist you are declining, plead the Fifth Amendment. I bet some of the people who are so desperate for food and necessities in other countries would love to change places with you and they would probably be thrilled to answer a few questions. Q: Is there a penalty for refusing to answer American Community Survey questions? Subscribe to GovDelivery email updates to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events about the American Community Survey. Empowered by Congress with greater powers to amass information about citizens, the Census Bureau introduced the ACS in 2005. We are law abiding, tax paying citizens and always do the right thing. Unbelievable that she is now spying on us. 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). If threatened with a fine or even prison, I will say, "Bring it on!" At what location did this person work last week? this is absurd. So give them a call or send an e-mail and see if someone there can help stop the phone calls. I immediately informed him that on the advice of counsel I was refusing the survey. [17], The survey combines these intrusive questions with highly detailed inquiries about your financial affairs. [9] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Citizenship.pdf. I am proud to be an American, but not very proud of our government. You want me to put the popcorn in the freezer?" How many, each age, and each sex. Poster 209: I believe that it is better to clearly refuse up front. About how much do you think this house and lot, apartment, or mobile home would sell for if it were for sale? Have no fear. I suggest that people find a petition out there against this census survey. It is SBO-1 (Survey for Business Owner and Self Employed) and states that it is mandatory per Title 13 USC. A practice in which banks refuse to insure mortgages to people living in certain A: Federal law makes it mandatory to answer all questions on the ACS. Since then, I have received four phone calls from the US Census Bureau. I am absolutely livid right now. Since many citizens lack basic knowledge of our Constitution and federalist system, they are easily manipulated by media and academic elites who tell them that judges are the absolute and final arbiters of US law. Years ago someone told me that the information can be used in a book (that may or may not be in your library) that is published showing where you work, how long you lived at your residence, etc. Yes we find the government annoying, but we could turn things around to our advantage and make things fun. Last night (Monday) he showed up at 7:30. I thought to myself, now they are going to harass them. This is a very big, complicated country we live in. They are not better people, more deserving, more intelligent, more experienced they didn't know "how" things were going to work out they just knew they would.