I just did not answer the door (a habit with any unscheduled visitor so not hard for me). I have therefore included both Article 1 section 2 of the US Constitution, and the US Supreme courts decisions in upholding the right to privacy. I have received two of them so far in January 2010 and I am ignoring both. This ACS thing is quite detailed. The Census Bureau states on their website that failure to complete the survey is unlikely to result in such a fine, however. They have no authority to uphold the ACS laws and they WON'T take action b/c they KNOW if this survey got out in the media it would be eliminated by public outcry. For the information of the people here, Congressman Poe (Texas) and Bachmann (Minnesota)have introduced legislation to eliminate the ACS intrusive questions. It's called the American Community Survey, participation is mandatory . I can understand the desire to keep the information private. This info is also for the number of State Senators and Congressmen. A: The ACS is not sent to all households. After they fill out the form, I seriously doubt they think about you ever again. I will not submit. Ridiculous. don't let them take our rights away even more than they already have. I told the second person who called me that I had already refused to cooperate with the first person who called. I contacted an attorney's office on my questions and objections to see if they were valid and what the legal interpretation was of the constitution and the US code. Nobody should answer the ACS survey. EXCLUDE incidents involving juveniles or youthful offenders held in facilities operated by your State juvenile system. I now have multiple visits to my home every day, followed up by threatening calls with an hour of each. My first question is: which section authorizes ACS? I have been harassed day and night. No one from the Census has ever asked for your social security number - perhaps someone *posing* as a Census Field Rep. did, but not an employee of the Census. The study found 86.1 attacks for every 1,000 transgender women and 23.7 attacks for every 1,000 cisgender women; it also found 107.5 attacks for every 1,000 . I too am grateful for this site. The Census Bureau insists that personal information contained in these devices was protected by passwords and other security measures. I am appalled by the questions asked on the ACS! ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. I answered only the necessary information on the first census, then was mailed the ever intrusive ACS. If anyone would love to start a case action in this matter feel free to get a hold of me. i told her no, she kept asking, i kept telling her no and eventually snuck in my apartment when she drove to park. About one month later I received a phone call from a supervisor. The efforts to secure a response to ACS seem fairly on the mark, but the point that seems most lost here is that households chosen for ACS are just part of a statistical sample that is representative of the country as a whole. 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!!! Others have reminded me that this information about me is posted out in the paper world, cyber world, etc., somewhere. The less you say to them the faster they stop bothering you. You fill it out and keep it moving- we don't want to. Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). [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/. Another concern raised by the Brookings Institute is the use of ACS information by law enforcement for crime mapping, a surveillance tool used to predict crime and preemptively target certain neighborhoods for policing. You cannot be fined or worse for not filling out the survey. I first starting receiving these things by mail like 4 years ago. I was out in my yard and she was yelling at me from a distance. I would like to recommend an alternative method of dealing with "census workers" who show up at your door to harass you for information. Never logged on (implicit refusal) 2.11 524 Survey completed after close of the field period 2.27 2 I did call the police on them. Originally, I sent in the census form for the property stating zero occupants, then was called by a Census worker. But I can promise I'll promptly feed it to my hungry paper shredder. I suspect the caller will hang up and take you off the list. [35] Daniel Freedman, The Orwellian American Community Survey, The Weekly Standard, http://www.weeklystandard.com/article/431469. . "I'm afraid my trees are eating the elephants, now." They are so proud to be counted among the blessed. I have a meeting with my congressional representative this morning to let him know that I am not returning this form, and to hand him personally the form that I was sent. The ability of our federal government to properly train temporary, and permanent, employees in PII and cyber security are not well represented in recent historical accounts. 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. So he then left. (This is about 10:02 a.m. which is very early in my world since I work from noon till 9 p.m. I intend to scan the thing and email it to everyone I know, plus my congressman and senators. Don't fill it out. Sad, but I simply do not trust the government anymore. As soon as they identified themselves as being with the Census Bureau, I quickly informed them that I sent it in. I am so glad to see I am not alone in not wanting to fill out this survey. There's comfort in knowing I'm not alone! The U.S. Census has nothing to do with Obama nor most of the accusations you are flippantly throwing up online. I received this census (which to clarify is not the 10 year one, we filled that one out). It is my constitutional right to privacy. Has anyone ever been fined or penalized for not complying? 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. Go Obama Care. I threw it away. This is how those rich people are rich, those "powerful" people are "powerful", and those happy people are happy. Will we ever return to our freedoms? It's not good politics. they have called me several times and asked what I did with it. Does anyone know? No visits yet. Keep up the good fight! This second survey is going right in the burner. Back to this census nonsense: I filled out the 2000 and don't owe them a thing until 2010 census. Before commenting, please review our comment policy. And, further, we cannot wire tap calls coming into this country from suspected terrorists, but we can create bogus laws to try to make us fill out the ACS which provides more personal information than any wire tap could on american citizens. I will not yield. Would I really be fined or imprisoned? I received by first survey in early December and a second one just three weeks later. How do we know who these people actually are? Remember Germany. I googled the name and phone number, found out their spouses name where they lived, etc. 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. For every question not answered, there is a $100 fine. Get on with your life and answer the census. Don't give in. We do not have to be subjected to this mistreatment, Ladies and Gentlemen!! I am a retired airline captain and a former captain in the U.S.A.F. FORM. I do not think I should have to give out that kind of information. Estimates: 1-Year . He said he'd pass that along. "; "What is your favorite color on Thursday afternoons between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.? She said she must have my name, home address which I gave. Unbelievable! The plan to use lap tops to do the door to door counts for non-respondents has already been junked. Be sure to document any interactions you have with Bureau representatives for your own files. Twice, a person showed up at our door. SSV-6. The Census Bureau would have to refer a case to the Dept of Justice, they have no power of their own. And how do they fine/prosecute a person if "answers" cannot be used in court or obtained by law enforcement? They just look at you and say "Oh" and then walk away. The calls started Wednesday. Uncle Sam gets my money but what happens in my home stays in my home. 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. The next day, a woman came to my gate and was asking me to fill out the form with her. He claims we need to answer the long form the ACS, etc. Title 13 section 141, subsections (a) and (d) authorize surveys. Turns out, the worker knew where my husband works and called him there shortly after. You'd better hope that you are aren't one of the unlucky three. They've also visited six of my neighbors, twice each so far. 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 didn't sleep well last night worrying how my civil disobedience might cost me dollars and jail. More money from the government for that extra lane of highway to make my commute faster. This is harassment, I am no threat. But my favorite is if anyone in my house has difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions, or difficulty dressing or bathing. I stupidly started filling out my ACS before I learned of this. We already did our duty and answered the regular census. [5] http://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/forms-and-instructions/2016-form.html. Poster 209: I believe that it is better to clearly refuse up front. However, I am sure I will get another one. This is out of control. It's supposed to be confidential. 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. What time do I leave for work, -26:00 in the afternoon. Year: 2021. Mine went in the shredder, and I ignored the phone calls. Happy evading! I'm so glad I'm not alone. DATA SUPPLIED BY. We do live in a relatively remote area, and none of them can make sense of maps they are provided with. They do snoop around. Well the federal government is functioning way beyond its legal powers and I will not feed that machine. No one I have talked to since I received this survey has known anything about it. Thanks to all of you for your comments. Empowered by Congress with greater powers to amass information about citizens, the Census Bureau introduced the ACS in 2005. 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. Even in police states, they don't ask these questions asked by the Census Bureau for the ACS. Q: Is there a penalty for refusing to answer American Community Survey questions? Lock and Load. 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. This country will see a revolution of the people one day, hopefully sooner than later. We pay as much tax as a so called socialist country about 40 percent, but get nothing in return. Who knows what other "enemy" nations also have it. Get over yourselves! what the hell??? I'm sorry but this survey almost asks me how many times I pee in a day. And, based on the Census, Virginia had 30 percent of the population of the United States. If the IRS has no info on you, you're illegal anyway. We didn't send in the regular 2010 one and they came by the house. I had missed several calls but the pattern seemed to be that I got them every other day. 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. Opponents of the American Community Survey disagree with the court's findings about its constitutionality. That's the truth. The slippery slope stops here. This is not for every citizen, so we will not participate. I then hung up. Active resistance is the order of the day. Maybe you'll get a new hospital! Then we find out she is our next-door neighbor! My husband and I run a small trucking company, and we received a census form for the business. In this workshop, you will find out how important the American Community Survey is for the nonprofit community and the unique ways nonprofits can use ACS data. Me and my family were properly counted on census day 2010. I am young and strong and will not put up with this sort of thing. This also happened the last time. I have contacted the media (Fox News), but no one seems to be covering this. Plaintiffs declarations also do not support a finding they were subject to a genuine threat of imminent prosecution.. Matthew J. Holian, "Data and the American Dream: Contemporary Social Controversies and the American Community Survey" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021) (Podcast Episode) Movies, TV, Celebs, and more. I told her I wasn't calling anybody. What is the ACS (American Community Survey)? If all they want is a head count, all they have to do is count social security numbers! FCPS will be seeking input on the progress of this work via a survey for parents/caregivers and community members, and a feedback opportunity for staff. They have all the information they need from the IRS. Go Tea Party! Somewhere in the process we got some messages on the answering machine asking us to call their 800 number and refer to our "case number." If you are a business person you could benefit from having accurate demographic information for the United States. It's those times that make the job really enjoyable because I share their pride. I gave them my name and not much more. a race is a competition with winners and losers being monitored by individuals who are not in the running. I not only told them that I sent it in, but added that if I received another call, I would report it as harassment, and hung up immediately. Estimates: 1-Year. 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 said yes for about the third time and hung up. Thank God that we still live in a country where we can still tell a thug where to go. If you waiver or hide, they will keep trying. First, it may get lost or stolen and second, you don't know who these people are that you are giving it to. Anyone else with other info/advice is politely requested to add their two cents. 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. Just remember that most of these people are decent people who need money to eat just like the rest of us, especially in these hard times. What they dont tell you is that the information is available to a long list of private corporation, research agencies and think tanks, who use the information to justify and pursue their own agendas. That wasn't supposed to be able to happen. For our government to function basic knowledge about the country as a whole, and individual states is required. We've tossed two surveys in the recycle bin. New to ClassAction.org? We have always taught him not to talk to people he does not know and never give out information. Poster 188. I want to thank you for this site and for all of the posters sharing their experiences and offering insight and information. It also asked for the full names, DOB, SS# of all person including children. Kilbourn v. Thompson, 103 U.S. 168, 190. Camp Lejeune residents now have the opportunity to claim compensation for harm suffered from contaminated water. The Census sites say as much if you read them, something like 'well wee don't really want to fine anyone'. You get the picture. 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. I was just contacted by a representative for the Census Bureau at my home and asked to answer his questions. The American Community Survey is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The calls started today. This job fair is also open to FCPS teachers seeking transfers, current applicants, and FCPS . I have no problem with telling folks how many people, even our ages and nationalities. Other than that, the sky is the limit. Two days later, I was standing on my porch. The California State Data Center generates reports and tabulations from data files released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The SS Admin does not care. Any thoughts? 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. Well, our credit cards, social security numbers, and who knows what else, are now being used by illegal aliens and fraudulent companies. My husband and daughter fielded a few of them and honestly told the workers they didn't have the information or the form so they'd have to try to catch me. If it's not a big deal, then get rid of the census and don't tell me about funding- that's a load of crap! I am standing firm this time. do we have a hot water heater? Ask yourself this question. He said, "I'll see what I can do." The first cluster of COVID-19 cases emerged out of Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019. its no joke. This is way too intrusive. so i will protect myself and my privacy and never give in just for the fact its my right!!!!!!!!! I made the mistake of answering some questions, thinking it was a one time thing. How much is the regular monthly mortgage payment on this property? Copyright 2023 The Rutherford Institute. Give me one reason I should trust my government. (address, city, county, state, zip). OK, we all agree that our rights have been violated. Stonewall them out. According to the Census Bureau, it randomly selects 3.5 million households each year as targets of the ACS. Thank goodness for this web site. 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. All i have to do is tell some temporary worker my family's medical history, financial history, and of course, what time we can be burglarized (oops, I mean the time of day that we leave and come home from work). anon77096: Why would anybody want federal funding for anything? Well, for all who are posting to this blog saying it is our civic duty, that its just a few questions on the census, that we should just go ahead and answer the questions, let me say this: this is not a census. 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. I am a patriot. Our government today is so far from the Founding Father's ideals - demonstrated by the nasty face we are seeing in these examples. I don't think they are even aware of how intrusive this is. Why don't you post the number in your family, their names, ethnic profile, give us your address and then, we will consider giving merit to your post. I hung up immediately and called the sheriff. First from a phone bot then yesterday a phone call from a real person. What Percent of the US Population do Teachers Comprise? I am a 64 year old woman, living alone. 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. Thank you to this site and to all those who have posted comments about the survey. Firm, clear refusal and don't even hint that you have any fear of their authority. I answered nothing else and therefore did not lie on a government form. this stupid stupid government and all its crap we have been harassed over and over and over and today again. Im not and if their track record is any benchmark, nobody should. During the past year and especially with the current administration in D.C., I am so angry and distrustful of our government. 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. 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. The American Community Survey releases new data every year, in the form of estimates, in a variety of tables, tools, and analytical reports. I took the job because it pays really well. That sort of thing. my wife and I pay our taxes and feel if that's not enough for our government, then "Too bad Charlie". Your name, address and phone number (front cover of the ACS), 2. Here are the facts I discovered: Some of the questions asked in this questionnaire are so intrusive that I would not even give this information to my best friends or relatives. A practice in which banks refuse to insure mortgages to people living in certain My son answered the door, the guy announced who he was with. 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. What you guys who love to quote the constitution fail to take into account are all of the amendments the government has quietly put in since it was first written. According to law you must answer all Census questions or face criminal charges and/or fines up to $100. 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. She informed me that I only had to answer a few questions, and could she come in? This means that there is no class that can be joined or signed up for by any consumers who feel they may have been covered by the litigation. A sympathizer to the Census said it was to help the government to function. I have half a mind to call the local news media and tell them this story. We have received phone calls. Let's see how much they like it. A third "live" call, and I told the caller again that I'd sent it (the Census) in and that I would report this call as harassment. I'm sorry you feel the need to spread such fear and lies. 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. The information that they collect will be used against us in our most crucial moments. Now there was the random insanely long, for one out of four, which I think is totally unfair. Also, it can't hurt to tell your representatives. Read our Newswire Disclaimer. I did this and then disposed of the form. With enough people, we can make a change. Are they too dense to realize that word just means "to count?". When I saw the personal and invasive nature of recent Census, I was irate. Anyone out there actually worked for this part of the Census with accurate info? Filled out the short form minus birth dates. I can just feature a call stating: If you can't walk up and down stairs, maybe we should think about asking if you are a useful citizen and do you need to be wandering around loose.