I say the heck with Big Brother, ours is going in the garbage, and I'm no longer answering their calls (love caller ID)! Instead of counting the entire population once a decade like the census, the ACS surveys a sample of the population (about 3.5 million addresses) every year to create statistics for the nation, states and communities down to the "tract" or neighborhood level. I am in the middle of this ACS thing now and refusing to answer. OK, we all agree that our rights have been violated. [3] The purpose of the decennial census is to apportion the 435 members in the U.S. House of Representatives among the several states. On Monday, a worker left a letter at my door advising he would return again. This all happened while I was watching from my porch. Q: Is this an unconstitutional invasion of privacy? I set it aside. I returned the question booklet as instructed. My first question is: which section authorizes ACS? Want to save up to 30% on your monthly bills? Bunch of grumpy anti social loners. I never thought at age 47 that I would ever see our country go this far the the left. 7) Get the left wing indoctrination crew out of our education systems. No, they aren't good people just trying to make a living as some might say. However, I am sure I will get another one. Thank God that we still live in a country where we can still tell a thug where to go. I am so glad to see I am not alone in not wanting to fill out this survey. When approached by census officials I will state that my religious beliefs prohibit giving any information beyond my name and the number of people in my house. (ACS question number 33). Glad I found this thread! I put up with some minor harassment and then after a few weeks it stopped. The second visit, I handed him a sealed census envelope, and he came back and left a note that the computer kicked it out. 10 minutes ago I felt apprehensive. 0 Total panelists in the survey 11,699 Completed interviews I 10,417 Partial interviews P 0 Q: What kind of questions are contained in the ACS? I will fill in my name, address, and very few pieces of information. Overall, the lawsuit says that [n]othing in these statutes gives Defendants the authority to compel Plaintiffs to speak when Plaintiffs invoke their First Amendment right to refrain from speaking by refusing to answer the American Community Survey.. I will not comply. The census guy showed up here. It's the amendments that congress is busy adding to the original Constitution while you guys are busy working, fishing, etc., instead of watching congressional actions on C Span or some such that are killing us and our rights. This tool helps you do just that. They are a toothless tiger. Chinese officials knew nothing about the virus before the pandemic emerged. 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. Apparently there are quite a few people who expect miracles out of thin air. 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 This city hasn't had its streets fixed in years and we always fill out the census. He was asking questions about me and my wife! 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. Now I wish I hadn't answered her on the phone. Ask yourself this question. (Don't worry there are no cops or former cops that are census workers. I assume that's why they have come again. The only one who seemed to do anything on it was Freedom Watch Judge Napolitano. In 2000 I threw the forms in the trash only to receive three visits at my door. The BIG 2010 census count is coming soon. They can go to hell. Departments. He stated I would receive no further calls from the census but the next contact would be from the Justice department. I've heard rumors that they will send their people to relentlessly pound on my door for answers, and then start canvassing the neighborhood to find the answers to the questions that were on my form, about me. This is due to lack of security for any personal information you provide. No one will email you or be peeping at you from the census. [12] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Fertility.pdf. Although they have a mandate and articles and codes under the US code, this is all for the census not the ACS. If threatened with a fine or even prison, I will say, "Bring it on!" Fine, sue me, I dare you, but stop holding me hostage in my home. Seriously, do I really have to answer and return the american community survey? Thus, if they want a specific task force to track illegals and tax invading americans, then so be it. Apparently my post office would not send it to me. But obviously they want to know everything about you. View All 26 Products. Washington and California residents have filed a proposed class action in which they object to being asked to participate in theAmerican Community Survey, which enquires about certain demographic details more specific than those central to the decennial Census. This questionnaire id just too personal and invasive of ones rights as a citizen in any country, let alone (supposedly) "The Land of the Free and The Brave" did Cheney, Bush, McCain, Obama fill one out? "is your name blah blah blah?" DATA SUPPLIED BY. Let me get this straight: we cannot ask an illegal alien for papers because of racial profiling but we can try to force american citizens to fill out the ACS which has profiling information in every question? Instead, you are encouraged to call one of the Census Bureau's two telephone centers directly to determine the legitimacy of the call you just received: Jeffersonville, IN: 1-800-523-3205. I remember the paperwork that I signed, highlighted the fact that it was a temporary position with no benefits of any sort. They don't want the constituents who elected them to be harassed. With enough people, we can make a change. So glad I found this site. The law in Title 13 exists solely for the purpose of being able to print the treat on the forms and to use to intimidate scared grandmothers. A week later, a woman came to my door and said they hadn't received my form. I am a 64 year old woman, living alone. If it was a problem, she then had my phone number; it wasn't blocked. I took his form and tossed it into the wood stove. I received the ACS a few months ago, did some research and never filled it out. No thanks, poster 188. 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. why are they taking polls for illegals? We have starving, homelessness, government corruption. I replied I would answer no questions. And you all sound sober and mature, not the lunatic fringe at all. I am glad to know there are plenty out there who are refusing to let our rights be trampled on!! Since then, I have received four phone calls from the US Census Bureau. The most aggressive "ally" nation caught spying on the United States is Israel. About a month ago (August 2010) I received my first ACS phone inquiry. 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. Why am I being asked what my age and birthdate are? A man was arrested and charged with attempting to place an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft after his bag triggered an alarm at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania, US . But in this day and age, do you really believe by not taking the census that your personal information is more thoroughly protected? 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 name of my employer, my wages for the previous year, the number of exemptions for my house, my social security numbers as well as those of my dependents, my marital status. ), vacated sub nom. The second time I got a call, I followed the recommendation of a fellow patriot. 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? I have contacted all of my federal and state Representatives and it is time they passed a census privacy act. During the last month since I received the first one, I've had many many phone calls from someone asking for my husband and saying he is from a veteran's charity. Fine. When neighbors gave them basic information, apparently the census taker then discussed the fact that they'd looked into tax records for "the residents of our home". We already did our duty and answered the regular census. I have no idea about the ACS (or any of their personal questions). I have already received two calls. It's supposed to be confidential. I answered only the necessary information on the first census, then was mailed the ever intrusive ACS. I suggest that people find a petition out there against this census survey. Nobody should answer the ACS survey. Is that something you would want to get into the wrong hands? Thank you to this site and to all those who have posted comments about the survey. It's been an easy decision for me. Protect your privacy. But, on a positive note, we were all meant for happiness - it is our purpose. Keep up the good fight! She offered me her badge and supervisors number. she wouldnt tell him who she was and kept insisting to come in. Cowards! Well, after many different phone calls, starting with the one on the census form, I still do not have an address to where to send the $100. American Community Survey questionnaire. 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. I also, as many of you, returned my census form (as I should and as the Constitution requires) but this has gone so far over the line that it's ridiculous. Learn the different ways to respond to the American Community Survey -- online, by phone, by email. Poster 188. No one from the Census has ever called you every hour of the day or at 9 p.m. Is there anything I can do about this? (address, city, county, state, zip). The Nazis were just doing their jobs, also, "anon75478" but that doesn't make it right. Oh wait -- the U.S. postal would never misdirect mail. I filled out my census. I received the ACS form yesterday and read it through just to see the questions. If Big Brother wants to bring the law so be it. First survey last month. Thank you for being here. I can not believe this is United States, land of freedom and liberty. Q: Has the government prosecuted persons for refusing to answer the American Community Survey? Too many are dependent on the government already. But I hit the brakes big time when they ask for your birthdate, among other garbage of race, sex, etc. Since my alleged representatives repeatedly respond to my complaints about their actions, with form letters explaining why they hear my views but plan to ignore them and do what they want to do instead, I hear the government wants my information and plan to do what I want to do instead. The calls started today. He is a senior in high school and just finished studying the history of communism. Thank you, fellow Americans! They are just being bullies. Why would anyone want to "help the government function" (interfere in our private lives)? They're people just like you are, Americans just like you are. Unlike the every-10-year census, this survey continues all year, every year. He claims we need to answer the long form the ACS, etc. "Only a few questions"? Thank goodness for this web site. Since direct taxes must be apportioned based on population, an enumeration is needed to determine the percentage of tax for each state. I don't see what the big deal is. After reading many of the earlier posts, I feel I am doing the right thing by not returning the survey. Direct taxes are inherently unfair because one state, with ten percent of the population, might be one of the richest states while another state, with the same percentage of the population, might be one of the poorest. Do they ever stop with this? Explore census data with visualizations and view tutorials. They had been to my house (outside) and told me this was coming. They haven't gone so far as to threaten, but I can sense that their tone is getting more firm. Further, congressional rules on enforcement were controlled by the Republican Congressional Committee overseeing Census Bureau Operations, when the Republicans controlled congress. We were hired to call people who did not respond and we left messages on answering machines. America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers. I hope it's not too late for us. This job fair is also open to FCPS teachers seeking transfers, current applicants, and FCPS . Um, no they don't have the right to fine you. I feel like that in itself is an invasion of my privacy. good thing inflation is under control and gas prices are not skyrocketing for no reason, and unemployment figures are under control, that they have nothing better to do than harass an honest hardworking taxpayer. I received two surveys. and even spells it. If all they want is a head count, all they have to do is count social security numbers! I may not bother with this anyway. And I did so right away. 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. Mind you, no return by date was given. I suppose if they have the info to redistrict, they have all the info they need. Anyway he proceed to stretch as much as he could so he could look into my living room. i get home don't even get out of the parking lot, she pulls up. As a retired LEO, state law keeps all my info private, unless court ordered. City Manager; Commissioner of the Revenue I was told that they get thousands of calls per day of people complaining about the ACS. This was way out of line and uncalled for! I grabbed the handle and slammed the door shut. The data bank, like any data bank, runs the risk of being hacked or accessed by dishonest parties. With Halloween right around the corner, how about scare the crap out of them. She informed me that I only had to answer a few questions, and could she come in? Then we started getting the calls. It's paranoid people like you all who cause your communities not to get the funding they need. May the Lord grant my fellow citizens victory in their battles with this unconstitutional invasion of privacy, too. 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. Government entities do illegal things. They can have my age, race, sex and opinion about corruption in government. Do as you see fit. I filled out the decennial census. The other info that the ACS wants can be obtained from other Departments. [6] https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about.html. When I said I would not be probed by his questions from the government and continued by saying that I meant no disrespect to him; however, I hate what the government is trying to do to us he responded. How about the number of cars that are normally in your driveway if everyone is home? I have worked as an enumerator. They just closed one of the best schools in the area, and nobody surveyed me to ask if I cared about that! Mine went in the shredder, and I ignored the phone calls. Poster 235 is on to something: maybe my neighborhood can get a new school, a new hospital, and a new fire station. From reading here, it looks like disclosing phone numbers is just an additional way of eventually breaking you down. The Census Bureau insists that personal information contained in these devices was protected by passwords and other security measures. 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? Think anyone is going to get approval to send out US Marshals to issue tickets? SSV-6. A lock ( BTW my survey went into the guinea pig cage, it will come out the same it went in: crap. The judge summarized that general statements made by the Census Bureau with regard to, say, the support of federal law or that taking the ACS was required by U.S. law fall short of the benchmark necessary to constitute a specific threat of prosecution. Start Here . I watched and saw that she was only there five minutes. Other than that, the sky is the limit. Research brought me here. You are! The Institute provides its legal services at no charge to persons whos constitutional and human rights have been threatened or violated. Filled out the short form months ago. We filled in very basic info and did put in the drive times. He came by every hour starting at 6 Thursday. Where does the boundary lie with these obsessive idiots? Thus, they cannot use the census as the pretext for the ACS. I called his supervisor. Read our FAQs or call us for more help with the survey. Moreover, since there are no reported instances of the Census Bureau taking legal or financial action, some speculate that the Census Bureau's threats carry no weight. The 24-page survey, which can be found on the Bureau's website, is sent out to about 2.5% of the American population to collect statistical information for city planning. 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. They have nothing but their own agenda in mind and any semblance of control we think we have is just that -- a semblance. Unlike the traditional census, which is limited to a simple head count every ten years for the purpose of establishing representation in Congress, the ACS is sent on an ongoing basis to about 3 million homes every year at a reported cost of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.[2]. Do not give them your info! As such, any attempt by the government to encroach upon the citizenrys privacy rights or establish a system by which the populace can be targeted, tracked and singled out must be met with extreme caution. The calls started Wednesday. As a result of widespread concern and perhaps out of frustration with the survey, several websites have been set up to provide public forums for recipients of the ACS. i told her no, she kept asking, i kept telling her no and eventually snuck in my apartment when she drove to park. If such a law exists, it should not exist, for it would be truly unconstitutional. People, what is so terrible about giving out the number of people who live in your household? and gently close the door. Fight the power. I hung up immediately and called the sheriff. Thanks! This is Big Brother keeping an eye on the revolution. They even sent me a Federal Express package telling me how important the information they still wanted to collect was. I am looking into who passed legislation to approve this questionnaire. And the Justice Dept is not going to spend time on this. Three times they sent people to our door, and three times I walked out the back door, and turned on the water. As soon as they identified themselves as being with the Census Bureau, I quickly informed them that I sent it in. finally he told her he would call the cops if she didn't leave. Finally, she said I am not answering anymore questions and they left her alone. In a climate of identity theft, unscrupulous banking practices, private interest( I mean industry) running the Federal Reserve, Private "credit" companies like experian controlling human potential by keeping track of every citizen and their spending (and why would they care if they get your credit report wrong because just who is their client - not you, it's "businesses").