I pay my taxes honestly, obey the laws of the land, don't speed, don't spit on the sidewalk and I will always open the door for a lady. I, too, have been harassed by the Census Bureau. This is all bull. anon82113: umm, I worked for the census too. As long as there are enough people who didn't fill out the census? 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. My 89 year old mother was scared out of her wits after answering some questions, thinking she gave too much information and didn't even know who they were. How many of our signers of the Declaration of Independence would fill out and sign THIS ACS form? [12] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Fertility.pdf. Explain that their responses will constitute consent to display the video online. It is confined to determining the number of Representatives [in the House] and imposing direct Taxes among the several States. At this point, according to the Census Bureau, a non-respondent has a 21% chance of being personally visited by a survey taker. So why do they need how many rooms are in the house, what I use to heat the house, what amount was my electric bill and so on and so on? Just because some bureaucrat says that U.S. Code, Title 13 makes the American Community Survey legal and enforceable, the test of time will surely prove that it is not. I walked over to my neighbors later that evening and they told me that she did not come by to see them, but she was very persistent about getting the birth dates, ages, place of employment, phone numbers. [5] Unlike the decennial census which is sent out every 10 years, the ACS is an ongoing survey that is sent out on a continuous basis by the Census Bureau.[6]. And, if the above comments stated that he can find all the info on the internet, then by all means find it, and leave me alone. Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). Departments. The Census Bureau states on their website that failure to complete the survey is unlikely to result in such a fine, however. 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. 1 in 4 Black transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide in past How many times has this person been married? I wish I would have kept the census person's name. Explore Census Data 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. [36] This same principle could apply to questions posed by ACS agents. The census is unconstitutional - read the enumerations - and the amendments already cited. The guy at FEMA said he needed my closing statement-I had sent that in but removed all the dollar amounts as that was none of their business. I refused entry into my home. I vote, and if the politicians do not honor their promises when they get into office, I'm sure Uncle Sam couldn't care less about what my area needs either. I might have to go outside and see if Big Brother is installing hidden cameras. You send it in it could become public information. As soon as they identified themselves as being with the Census Bureau, I quickly informed them that I sent it in. A: There are significant and legitimate questions concerning the authority of the government to require, under threat of prosecution and penalty, that persons answer questions posed by the ACS. We need to ban together and not cave in on this. There are even amendments to the amendments. A few days ago had a census worker knock on my door. Happy evading! The consumers argue in the complaint that although the defendants claim to have statutory authority to compel citizens to answer the survey, the authorization to collect information does not equate to the power to compel the production of information, especially when such information is not required for the ten-year Census. Did not need the closing statement. After giving it some thought, I felt compromised by the invasive questions asked, and decided that my right to privacy was surely being violated. And I did so right away. I will not answer the questions on the ACS. The calls stopped and no one ever visited. Comparing the American Community Survey to the American Housing Survey. We did not support and defend the Constitution for this crap. As an employee of The U.S. Census Bureau,I too share privacy concerns,but I must say there's a tremendous amount of misinformation and paranoia here. Whats next from our GOVERNMENT; the police saying your papers please? Non parlo inglese!" U.S. Census Bureau Notice and Consent Warning You are accessing a United States Government computer network. It is also known that the Bureau inadvertently posted sensitive information of over 300 innocent citizens. 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. Does this person have difficulty doing errands alone such as doctor's visits or shopping? SSV-6. Then you've got them by the balls. See Clemons v. U.S. Dep't of Commerce, 710 F. Supp. And I say that is the point -- I do not want my state or city dependent on big government this is socialism and pork barrel out of control government spending. A week later, the same worker showed up and said it was my last chance or I could be fined and possibly jailed. we have every right to keep our privacy!!!! I see no reason to comply. But I can promise I'll promptly feed it to my hungry paper shredder. When she called tonight at my employer, I told her I was moving. If they are "anonymous" why do they need my name, telephone number and race? Since the Constitution established a federal government of limited enumerated powers and that document does not grant them the general power to request the information, I am under no constitutional obligation to provide it, and therefore refuse to answer the ACS. I would personally love to sit and watch hours of this kind of stuff. The Census Bureau insists that personal information contained in these devices was protected by passwords and other security measures. What kind of people do you have working for you? Beyond that, please cease and desist all further efforts to gather personal and private information about the members of my household, it will not be provided. I don't see what the big deal is. Just say, "I respectfully decline." I ignored her as I was outside with my kids. we filled out the form the day it came and mailed it. Suggestions include "With whom did you last have a sexual encounter and when and where did this take place? The American Community Survey (ACS) helps local officials, community leaders, and businesses understand the changes taking place in their communities. Waiting for the calls, then the visits. To be sure, the calls were incessant for a time -- anywhere from one to eight calls a day for about six to eight weeks perhaps. The ACS is not part of the enumeration required by Article I of the Constitution, and that constitutional provision only applies to a census for purposes of counting the number of people in each state. They left me a message to call them back and referred me to a case number. Anyone out there actually worked for this part of the Census with accurate info? A: The law requiring answers to the ACS also provides that a person who fails to answer shall be fined not more than $100.[32] The actual fine for a refusal to complete the ACS could be much greater because a failure to respond to certain ACS questions could be considered a separate offense subject to the $100 fine. Horrible, and a total violation of my rights across the board. But obviously they want to know everything about you. The reality appears to be that recipients can refuse to comply. I was just contacted by a representative for the Census Bureau at my home and asked to answer his questions. Anyway he proceed to stretch as much as he could so he could look into my living room. If that's so, why is there a space for your name, date of birth and so much other identifying information that a blind man could identify the author of the answers. I told him that was fine. I like the idea of the videocam. lets hope this isn't all to simply mark people who do and do not comply. This survey is one of only a few My 15 year old son was home at the time of the census worker stopping by. To anon89810: I am all for taking action against them. I asked them what does my birthday have to do with enumeration count of my household? No, they aren't good people just trying to make a living as some might say. The small, everyday, humdrum, quietly approved bills they do each day are where the danger lies and more attention should be paid to those. If you are thinking about filling this out, don't! I will comply when they 1) remove the millions of illegals from U.S. soil, 2)oust criminals who do not even pay their taxes from political power positions, 3) listen to the will of their constituency and remember we are a "representative republic" not a "Banana Republic" 4) stop plotting the demise of American citizens with their plans for a Eugenicists health care plan. I won't either. In 2000 I placed a large sprinkler by my front door. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey - A Guide-Star In Jeopardy The most aggressive "ally" nation caught spying on the United States is Israel. . BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATISTICS. And for every intentionally false response to a question, the fine is $500. The census person came back by a week later. Our government is abusive, tyrannical and murderous. Access American Community Survey data on the Census Bureau's new platform, data.census.gov. Please meet, call write your congressperson to recommend that they sign on to this legislation, and get rid of this ridiculous intrusion of government into your private and personal affairs. I'll be laughing when funding for social programs and highway repair funding is cut in your area because you refused to answer simple questions that can not be connected to you. ClassAction.org is a group of online professionals (designers, developers and writers) with years of experience in the legal industry. I am wondering is a night time visit legal? Lock im a normal 27 year old female, trying to live my life. The House GOP proposal would eliminate any increase in funds for 2020 planning, and it cuts nearly $500 million in total from the administration's request, including reductions for the American. I have yet to fill one out. He didn't know what to think about that (needed to check the law), and took no action. 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. We don't have a home phone but I imagine the reps will get hold of our cell numbers? Read our FAQs or call us for more help with the survey. Why the hell should I tell the government all this business about me? View All 26 Products. Apparently there are quite a few people who expect miracles out of thin air. Any illegal can purchase your number for any amount of money. But I will not tell you when I leave for work and about the medical condition of my relatives. Say no to everything. No way was I going to submit that kind of info. What? A week later, a woman came to my door and said they hadn't received my form. We were hired to call people who did not respond and we left messages on answering machines. So glad I came across this website while researching whether or not I had to respond to this stupid ACS I just got in the mail. PDF Methodology Three days later, the supervisor came out. I am a 64 year old woman, living alone. It has been done since 1790, and is mandated by the Constitution. [28] http://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/is-my-privacy-protected.html. Thank you, wonderful conspiracy theorists for repeatedly posting erroneous information on here and showing everyone that you truly have no life. He asked if I was refusing to answer the survey. But at the same time, phones are not supposed to be tapped. 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. [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. This United States Supreme Court case has never been overturned. Well its going to get colder before I give them the info. Thank you for creating this site and letting me know that I am not alone with receiving these and answering them. Like its children it seems it wants us to be happy and being so it has empowered us to live our dreams freely, Know you are worth it, see it and feel it and it will be. ACS has only been going since 2005. To support any of this is not like killing, it is killing your neighbor, your dog, your wife, your kids and your kids' kids - maybe slowly and with pretty lights and shiny trinkets, but it is. About one week later, I was ready to mail in my form. The Legal Accountability Project is a nonprofit aimed at ensuring that as many law . I am absolutely livid right now. "; "What is your favorite color on Thursday afternoons between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.? Featured Respond to the ACS Census workers are trying to do a decent job like everyone should try to do. 3) If by some chance they go for it, ask them the most embarrassing, asinine, or silly questions you can think of. Let's see if she comes back for her shower. In July, I started to receive visits. ), What in the world is wrong with you people? Life is too short to be so mad about insignificant things. Seriously, do I really have to answer and return the american community survey? According to the Census Bureau, it randomly selects 3.5 million households each year as targets of the ACS. On Monday, a worker left a letter at my door advising he would return again. This is not for every citizen, so we will not participate. Let this letter be the third request that you respect my privacy and my requests. Boreal forests could be a planet-warming 'time bomb' as wildfires Who knows what other "enemy" nations also have it. She left. The questionnaire also demands that you give other information on the people in your home, such as their educational levels, how many years of school were completed, what languages they speak and when they last worked at a job, among other things. The times they are a-changing. Seemed like they try to collect more info than they need but will give in if you call them on their crime. After spending almost an hour answering questions the first time the census take came to my house, they start calling me on Sunday afternoon -- enough is enough! Helping this corrupt government "function" is the same thing as helping this corrupt government go kill more people, invade our privacy, tax our income, levy fines, issue permissions slips and tattoo our butts. and see what they make of that. The law does not say you have to answer their questions (so don't). Then you want to threaten with fines? He used to work for the gas company and has been in my house to light my pilot lights. I made the mistake of putting my phone number on the form. The next day I called back and talked to a different agent or whatever they are. The first phone call was late December and was not answered. I told him that on the advice of my attorney I had shredded the form. I answered only the necessary information on the first census, then was mailed the ever intrusive ACS. Federal law mandates as much, but the bureau also doesn't seek to penalize individuals who fail to participate. I don't believe the ACS should, or has the right, to require more. Anything that you answer can be used for this book, which is usually for your town, county, etc. I hope you folks do not live in my county or state. I live in upstate New York and was just threatened that the census taker would be back with the police and his supervisor because I refused to fill out the form. Filled out the short form months ago. I asked my accountant about them and he recommended not to fill them out. ACS estimates are all period estimates representing an interval of time, not a single date like April 1, 2010. They have to get past the doorman first. Since then, they have called three or four times and stopped by multiple times. They must have found it because I heard no more but neither did I get an apology. Condos hire people inside the condo as census people. Outraged in Maryland. Any discrepancies, intentional or not, could result in an IRS audit of your returns. Good luck everyone! Give me one reason I should trust my government. I hope my great-grandkids appreciate it, too. Im not and if their track record is any benchmark, nobody should. Next step will be implanting us with chips, or tattooing our arms. Finally, she said I am not answering anymore questions and they left her alone. We sent in the form with the number of people, then called the girl who left a note on our door. All this and I live on an Army installation! Since then, I have received four phone calls from the US Census Bureau. why are they taking polls for illegals? Year: 2021. 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. PLEASE let's get them back once and for all! Ain't going to happen, just call their bluff. Wow this there are so many ignorant people here! The Rutherford Institute has received hundreds of inquiries from individuals who have received the ACS and are not comfortable sharing such private, intimate details with the government or are unsettled by the aggressive tactics utilized by Census Bureau agents seeking to compel responses to ACS questions. The visits stopped, and I never heard from them again. Some doubt these assurances based on the survey collection process itself. Funny, we are required to get social security numbers at birth, but the social security administration will not protect that number. I replied I would answer no questions. The U.S. Census Bureau is suspending efforts to create neighborhood-level statistics on the citizenship and age of residents, using 2020 census data, in the latest rollback of Trump administration. Q: Does everyone in the United States receive the American Community Survey? A previous post said this is the American Communist survey. On the first occasion, the guy produced a badge and said he would like to come in and talk to me. That is how they get "past the guard". A: According to one report published in early 2014, the government has not prosecuted anyone for refusing to respond to the ACS. I have no idea about the ACS (or any of their personal questions). How am I supposed to know who these people are? She offered me her badge and supervisors number. He stated I would receive no further calls from the census but the next contact would be from the Justice department. If people answer the survey maybe they will get the funding to have proper educational programs. Someone brought up a good point, either here or on another forum. I'm sick of this. I guess the fear that they may be prosecuted for trespassing on private property wasn't worth the questionnaire. I sure am glad I ran across this site. One week later, we got two more phone calls in one night because I hung up on the caller and he called back 20 minutes later. That is just crazy. One fact I see missing is that they say you are cheating you state and city out of government funds (our tax dollars). I say the heck with Big Brother, ours is going in the garbage, and I'm no longer answering their calls (love caller ID)! I gave them my name and not much more. My husband sent him away as we were eating. One of the three enumerators did canvass my neighbors and got hold of one of them, who tried to call me and advised the census people were looking for me (I did not return the voicemail). Oh, the reason he came back? If the stories in this thread are true, those census workers are scum. The founders feared the use of direct taxes so they created a system to discourage their use. This "business" and "government" is not happiness. God bless you for creating this site! To complete the survey on the internet, visit https://respond.census.gov/acs. [25] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Sex.pdf. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. (address, city, county, state, zip). It can't be done if the government is a complex, dishonest mess. Copyright 2023 The Rutherford Institute. The more I looked at it, the more I realized how unconstitutional and invasive it is. If the federal government had been granted the general power to make inquires into the private affairs of the American people through the Census or a congressional mandated survey, then the Supreme Court could not have made this ruling. an American History (Eric Foner) Civil Liberties and Rights. It's just another way to peg the American people to find out who's doing what. Pericles, 460BC. The letter accompanying the census form indicates it's used to decide how many representatives each state has in congress, and how much money my 'neighborhood' receives from the government. Enough is enough and get real. I assume she was a supervisor. This is a bunch of crap. how Fourth amendment. They are so proud to be counted among the blessed. Then came the second one,it followed the first. This was way out of line and uncalled for! Complete this form and mail it back as soon as possible. Think anyone is going to get approval to send out US Marshals to issue tickets? Since the threats appear to completely empty then at this point the consequences are null and void. This is harassment, I am no threat. In fact, the ACS launched in 2005 to replace the census "long form." We haven't been bothered since. By their asking their questions (limited to how many people live here) you have "met" your legal obligation to the Census. If they aren't getting anything from my house and they've canvassed my six neighbors twice (actually talking to four of them). If all they want is a head count, all they have to do is count social security numbers! Subscribe to GovDelivery email updates to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events about the American Community Survey.