answers to this "anonymous" survey, my information would necessarily be identifiable, perhaps through my address, for at least some period of time. Box/Route Number Area code. The census man came to my house eight times, two of which he sat in my driveway for a total of 50 minutes. 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. The US Census Bureau says it's an essential tool in collecting relevant and timely data in order to understand and finance local needs for things like roads and schools. This is about a rental property that is currently empty and was on April 1, if that really means anything. we filled out the form the day it came and mailed it. A week later, a woman came to my door and said they hadn't received my form. I've been through one round of the no-response ordeal back in '08 and everything turned out just fine. He presented me with an ACS envelope and said a "government guy" had come to school and was having random students fill them out. do i have right to due process? Whose damn business is it if I own my house and whether I have a mortgage? A: If you receive notice that you have been targeted to respond to the ACS and you desire to assert your right of privacy, you can voice those objections and your intent not to respond to the ACS by writing a letter to the Census Bureau. (The car had to pass my house to get to the neighbors.) I'm waiting for the harassment to begin! Thank you, wonderful conspiracy theorists for repeatedly posting erroneous information on here and showing everyone that you truly have no life. This ACS thing is quite detailed. I answered only the necessary information on the first census, then was mailed the ever intrusive ACS. I told them they were barking up the wrong tree and they need to follow the U.S. Now they called again and wanted to ask these questions over the phone. I never did get ahold of the idiot at Commerce- she sure had lots of vacation time. 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). This is crazy -- why is this still going on and why aren't people doing something about it? The ACS asks dozens of questions on a wide variety of topics to gather information about the demographic, social, economic, and housing characteristics of the population. thanks for answering back with any helpful info. They do go to your neighbors and landlord if you are a renter, and they do try to threaten and intimidate you by saying that if you don't answer then someone will return and will have the police with them, so yeah, keep on believing that it's all just a few harmless questions. The present state of affairs is a direct result of our collective ignorance. The government is doing nothing wrong! Waiting for the calls, then the visits. She was a little surprised how I knew things about her. While the survey states that my address was selected at random for the survey, they have my address and unlisted telephone number, which they call regularly. They bring in all additional people running up monies needed for schools, social programs. Tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct., The power to make laws concerning the Census is restricted to the actual enumeration.. I've received two of these obscene forms and I do not to answer any of the questions printed thereon. DATA SUPPLIED BY. And it would not fabricate stories in order to confiscate private information from the people it should be serving. 8) Stop embezzling trillions of tax payers dollars for fraudulent purposes. Q: Is this an unconstitutional invasion of privacy? TheAmerican Community Survey(ACS) helps local officials, community leaders, and businesses understand the changes taking place in their communities. Ct. 524,and it cannot be too often repeatedthat the principles that embody the essence of constitutional liberty and security forbid all invasions on the part of government and its employees of the sanctity of a mans home and the privacies of his life. Please give that a shot, I'll find me a constitutional lawyer and challenge the constitutionality of this law, any survey or law attached and the constitutionality of this survey as well as the census survey. 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. Clemons v. Dep't of Commerce, 562 U.S. 1105 (2010). The way I see it, subsections a and d of section 141 do not authorize a January 2010 collection of information. They are not! When the government fears the people there is liberty." Anyone else with other info/advice is politely requested to add their two cents. If I received the ACS survey in the mail, I would probably just put down the number of people in my household, but there is nothing on the 10 question survey that any Tom, Dick, or Harry can't find out on the internet quite easily. Don't be paranoid, it's only a few questions a lot of people already know about you anyway. I replied I would answer no questions. 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]. I am a tax paying, hard working citizen, who would die fighting for my country and my rights, but didn't our forefathers already settle this fight? I had missed several calls but the pattern seemed to be that I got them every other day. I asked her if she had related my story to the supervisor. It is the premier source for detailed population and housing information about our nation. They believe the survey asks for more information, and at a higher frequency, than the simple enumeration required by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. I received the ACS form yesterday and read it through just to see the questions. I stupidly started filling out my ACS before I learned of this. Should the phone ring and someone on the other end of the line say they're from the ACS, you don't necessarily have to take their word for it. I don't owe the government anything for going to college. I am in the middle of this ACS thing now and refusing to answer. I am appalled at this whole thing and believe me when that survey taker arrives at my door again, she is going to get an ear full. This is way too intrusive. If there are any lawyers out there, we would like you thoughts -- non-attribution of course. www.rutherford.org. Those of you who are interested just might try at least the internet to find out what this is all about. I just get to pay more taxes for their tax free gain and it just is not fair. Happy Holidays. They just look at you and say "Oh" and then walk away. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey - A Guide-Star In Jeopardy He came to my door anyway. She stated that the woman was no longer employed and asked if I could please give her the info. Please download the PDF to view it: Download PDF. I have contacted all of my federal and state Representatives and it is time they passed a census privacy act. the Supreme Court's decisions over the years has established that the rights to privacy is a basic human right, and as such is protected by virtue of the 9th amendment. 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. Currently, Oscar is a 7-year-old boy with ODD whose refusal behaviors have begun to be both verbally aggressive and physically violent. Thesis: It is best to be professional and courteous when speaking in person and on the phone to the ACS representatives. Our surveys provide periodic and comprehensive statistics about the nation. Federal law mandates as much, but the bureau also doesn't seek to penalize individuals who fail to participate. of Justice. Decennial Census. These people can often stop this kind of activity. Government entities legally are not supposed to be able to get access to this information. I ripped it up and threw it away. Fight the power. on the back it says dec 31 2011 is when approval from OMB expires. Keep being sheep. [24] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Race.pdf. Survey/Program: American Community Survey. There are friends who ask me if I want to put up with the harassment from the government -wouldn't it be easier to just give in and give the information to them? The Census Bureau uses sampling methods to select households that represent a cross-section of the population of the United States. 1. The info tells them how many live in a certain area. We monitored our caller ID and just refused to answer the phone when they called (along with any other numbers listed as "unavailable"). No one will email you or be peeping at you from the census. We need to stick up for our rights. Now whenever we come home, Ms. Nosy Neighbor calls a different census worker who hurries over and tries to get us to answer the door. I love hearing this we live in the greatest country. I took the job because it pays really well. I have worked as an enumerator. I'm so glad I'm not alone. It is my constitutional right to privacy. Protect yourselves and your privacy, don't complete the form! The ACS program provides estimates annually for all states and for all medium and large cities . Today another call demanding to know my name and telling me I would be fined. You want me to trust the census with information that is very private? Menu. Apparently there are quite a few people who expect miracles out of thin air. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is a national measure of customer satisfaction since 1994, trusted by US government and reflecting annual feedback from . 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. Wake up America! I informed my employer that I will not answer the ACS, that I filled out the Census, and that is all they get. The American Community Survey (ACS) qualifies as a government program whose purpose, while seemingly benign, raises significant constitutional concerns. I will not answer the questions on the ACS. Miss. Get class action lawsuit news sent to your inbox sign up for ClassAction.orgs free weekly newsletterhere. If they harass you with phone calls change your number before they do the census and keep it unlisted. Access American Community Survey data on the Census Bureau's new platform, data.census.gov. That is just crazy. It then adds insult and temerity by threatening me for noncompliance? Other articles have slanted this to be a case of "men marrying into money. Statistical analysis Federal law requires U.S. residents to answer the ACS. Don't fill it out. Calendar | City of Harrisonburg, VA Lastly, if you are a proper pet owner, then you consider you dog, cat, etc. PDF [From the ACS recipient to the Census Bureau] John H. Thompson Explore Census Data For over a quarter century, we have assisted, without charge, persons deprived of their liberty by government officials. Non parlo inglese!" I left all of the other personal and private questions in the survey unanswered. S1901 INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2021 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) View All 23 Products. 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? [4] After a decennial census is conducted, states which have increases in population may gain additional seats in the House of Representatives at the expense of other states. We had a census worker come to our door who started asking personal questions, until my hubby finally said that's enough. Thanks Mom, for teaching me a little Italian. Mind your own business. Many people I know who voted for this man are now regretting it. [35] Daniel Freedman, The Orwellian American Community Survey, The Weekly Standard, http://www.weeklystandard.com/article/431469. You wouldn't be getting personal visits and/or phone calls from these Census workers right now. I again said no. Of course I would expect them to correct this oversight in the near future. 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. We sent in the form with the number of people, then called the girl who left a note on our door. A 72 year old lady showed up at my door yesterday (I being a 65 year old great grandmother), and told me I did not fill my form out properly and it got "kicked out". this census is complete crap and an invasion of my rights a a citizen. 2018] IN DEFENSE OF THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 113 surveys.18 After the 2000 Census, the Bureau chose to eliminate the long form and use a yearly survey instead.19 In 2006, the Bureau fully implemented the ACS throughout the United States.20 The ACS is now conducted yearly, and includes much of the same data requested by the 2000 long form.21 In . I think someone should have a web cam ready when they come to the door. [36] This same principle could apply to questions posed by ACS agents. The worker harassed him and told him he had to answer the question or he would be in trouble with the police. I have received two forms, and have no intention of responding. They say they are from the U.S. Dept of Commerce. It's sent out to about 3.5 million households. As soon as they identified themselves as being with the Census Bureau, I quickly informed them that I sent it in. No one from the Census has ever said they would come back with the sheriff - the sheriff would simply laugh at them if they ever asked. Unlike the every-10-year census, this survey continues all year, every year. ACS estimates are all period estimates representing an interval of time, not a single date like April 1, 2010. We randomly sample addresses in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. I was willing to answer the survey at first - thinking it would just be a headcount but then I saw the rest of the questions. Information from the survey generates data that help determine how more than $675 billion in federal and state funds are dis Continue Reading MA Pennell I guess I now have a 20 percent chance of getting a Census visitor next. lets hope this isn't all to simply mark people who do and do not comply. This job fair is also open to FCPS teachers seeking transfers, current applicants, and FCPS . Let's get them to spread the word. If you are clear and firm in your refusal they will leave you alone. This scared him and on top of that, he did not know most of the answers to the questions. 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. 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. 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. Where do we call to report this abuse? 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. Attempting to use scare tactics to get personal information - nice. "Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who who have the courage to defend it." I then hung up. I told her not to come back or I would spray her with my garden hose. If you waiver or hide, they will keep trying. I am glad to know there are plenty out there who are refusing to let our rights be trampled on!! Census employees never ask for social security numbers or full financial disclosure. The Rutherford Institute stands ready to defend your rights if they are violated by the government. At what location did this person work last week? He said he'd pass that along. I told her I wasn't calling anybody. In 2000 I threw the forms in the trash only to receive three visits at my door. 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. i feel like a jew in germany when these goons come knocking. IE: IRS, DOT, Labor and Industry. I am absolutely livid right now. they will tell you its the law, but since when do we have to answer to the government who lives in our house and who they are related to and what time we go to work, what time to we return? i told her no, she kept asking, i kept telling her no and eventually snuck in my apartment when she drove to park. I don't mind giving my name, the name of my spouse, children, ages and occupations but that is it. I received this census (which to clarify is not the 10 year one, we filled that one out). This data is critical for government programs, policies, and decision-making. First survey last month. Once at 6:11, 7:15, and then 8:05. Then why am I being asked what my race is? I got no answer. this is the letter I sent the census bureau. It gives a little glimmer of hope for this country. I have received two of them so far in January 2010 and I am ignoring both. I get hourly calls during the week. The next day I got an e-mail saying that the "government guy" was OK with it and that I should return the form. 1121-0292: Approval Expires 09/30/2021. Go Obama Care. And, based on the Census, Virginia had 30 percent of the population of the United States. 12286: Don't worry, and don't respond. Individuals who receive the ACS must complete it or be subject to monetary penalties. They want me to call an 800 number to give them my personal info. If they are "anonymous" why do they need my name, telephone number and race? 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. Enumeration. (434) 978-3888 Why am I being asked for my name? This has been going on for almost three months and has caused tremendous stress in our household. Also, it can't hurt to tell your representatives. We told a census worker to come back on Friday at 6 p.m. I have not had the privilege yet of receiving the census form but I'm sure I will soon.