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. Final Trump administration attempt to address citizenship in census Other articles have slanted this to be a case of "men marrying into money. What? In 2000 I refused to fill mine out. What Percent of the US Population do Teachers Comprise? Table from ACS 1-Year Estimates Data Profiles, released by American Community Survey. Its purpose is to keep people informed of what is going on in their local, state, or federal governments. I guess it's too simple, or full of common sense. Too many are dependent on the government already. I don't mind giving my name, the name of my spouse, children, ages and occupations but that is it. Actually: for thoe who think you can merely fill out the form and not be called, that's a lie! Well, it's just arrived in the form of a mail packet that asks volumes of personal, none of your business information. 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 am a patriot. Call your senators and congressman now and lets get these commie creeps out of our lives and off our backs. You send it in it could become public information. its no joke. How can a census do any good for schools when these people are never turned away from schools and hospitals and welfare lines? Why would anyone want to "help the government function" (interfere in our private lives)? A week later, a woman came to my door and said they hadn't received my form. This government is OUT OF CONTROL! 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 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. We do live in a relatively remote area, and none of them can make sense of maps they are provided with. The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty to respond to questions. I told her not to come back or I would spray her with my garden hose. Last year I was hounded by these people and they are back I am so glad I did not answer or call or contact them I cannot believe this information is relevant for city planningthe person above said it best. But it did. 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? Mind you, no return by date was given. So give them a call or send an e-mail and see if someone there can help stop the phone calls. Yet, under the direct tax formula imposed by the Constitution, both states would be required to pay the same amount. I don't want to fill out ACS american community survey. Do I Those of you who are posting "what's the big deal" need to start doing some research on your government and the shady things that go on at the taxpayers' cost. The surveyor didn't respond to that one when we had a "terse" discussion with them today. Is the 'American Community Survey' Letter a Scam or Legit? After 40 years and right before everybody in the country is supposed to reply to the 2010 census? Where do we call to report this abuse? While I also oppose the Census form being sent out, -anon70698, the number of representatives and taxes will be determined by the number of people in the area is what Article I, Section 2, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution is about. Can I file a harassment claim somewhere? PDF The American Trends Panel survey methodology - Pew Research Center 'Useful' Idiots and the American Community Survey This makes no sense at all. I want to thank you for this site and for all of the posters sharing their experiences and offering insight and information. EXCLUDE State operated juvenile residential facilities. I insisted that the little brownshirt leave and go look in the mailroom because I was not going to do it over again-like I have nothing better to doshe said I was in BIG trouble because she could FORCE me to do it over. "Um, I filled it out twice". If someone knows where in the constitution it states this, please share. My family has found past census information to be very valuable in genealogical research. 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." 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. The whole purpose of the census getting shortened was to entice people to fill it out, not this 20-page crap. Before the second visit, I posted a 'no trespassing' sign at the bottom of the stairway leading up to my garage apartment. And those people were gathered up and sent to internment camps. Featured Respond to the ACS One month ago, I received a letter stating that the census was coming. Don't engage them in conversation or reason with them. thanks for answering back with any helpful info. They insisted that the ACS did not receive it and wanted the information again. United we stand divided we fall. 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. However, I am sure I will get another one. Q: Are you required by law to fully complete the American Community Survey? of Justice. Granted, I'm sure they can find it, but the census would have had to use some powers beyond their department to find it, since I intentionally left that form blank on the 2010 census. Then I received the long form, ignored it and received another long form which I also ignored. [5] http://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/forms-and-instructions/2016-form.html. I guarantee it will be a short and polite conversation and the last time they ever bother you! That's the truth. Apparently my post office would not send it to me. I also mentioned that unless a US Marshal from the Justice Department accompanied him, I would simply ignore him and would call the police if further harassed. Have received two of the ACS forms, both went into the garbage. That's a load of crap. What kind of people do you have working for you? But, on a positive note, we were all meant for happiness - it is our purpose. The Bureau lists 35 different categories of questions on its website and offers an explanation on how the information is to be used. But I guess they probably figured that out, so decided to send it to only 2.6 percent of the population at a time. As she walked away, I told her that her husband Ray just called and wanted her to stop at the store at a location next to her house. Similarly, the plaintiffs contest that nothing in the federal code allows for a fine for refusal to answer the American Community Survey to be considered a criminal offense. I've been through one round of the no-response ordeal back in '08 and everything turned out just fine. Non parlo inglese!" I ignored all of them. Lastly, if you are a proper pet owner, then you consider you dog, cat, etc. First from a phone bot then yesterday a phone call from a real person. If I receive the same treatment again, I may consider filing a class action lawsuit. VERIFY: Yes, the American Community Survey is legitimate - 11Alive.com 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? Confidentiality? She was really trying to get the information and finally gave up and told me she will write down that I refused. It came from data mining by the Pew Research Center. I just get to pay more taxes for their tax free gain and it just is not fair. Thanks Mom, for teaching me a little Italian. Then I asked the census taker her birth date, and I again got no answer. [29] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/Name.pdf. Sign up for ClassAction.orgs free weekly newsletterhere. If they are "anonymous" why do they need my name, telephone number and race? I asked her if she had gotten a statement from my mortgage company-a release- and she found it and sent the refund. I got the ACS forms and I am scared to be fined. Aliza Shatzman - President and Founder - The Legal - LinkedIn 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. Then, there were just basic questions for everyone. You have a file and they are trying to use changes in your life situation to justify government programs. I informed the caller, "Eric", that I did not wish to participate in the survey and to please remove my name from their phone list and mailing list. The daily number of cyber attacks on our federal government and access by illicit state and non-state actors is eye watering. The calls/personal visits stopped. Copyright 2023 The Rutherford Institute. Three times they sent people to our door, and three times I walked out the back door, and turned on the water. I noticed a car pull up to my neighbor's house. I think that I will put this in the woodstove-just don't tell the EPA or they will be here to take away my woodstove. Where is the America I grew up in? I am absolutely livid right now. [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. 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. 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) Census region x Metro/Non-metro 2020 CPS March Supplement Volunteerism 2021 American Trends Panel Annual Profile Survey/2019 CPS Volunteering & Civic Life Supplement . Wow! I tried to assure her that this indeed was not a prank but she was too busy being rude and just kept talking, finally telling me to call my senator, which I did. 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 would have done well in the SS. Learn more about 2021 ACS data releases, including the latest release of new 2017-2021 ACS 5-year PUMS files and Variance Replicate Estimate Tables. An official website of the United States government . I just sent the supervisor who knocked on my door packing! I did this and then disposed of the form. Recipients of the American Community Survey are told several times that the information given is necessary for the operation of our government, is very secure and is kept private. Are you willing to roll the dice that this information will remain protected? (These facilities will be contacted directly for data on sexual victimization.) We have received phone calls. i am not in their rat race, and i do not answer to their color coded political designations. You are a perfect example of why people should be outraged by the ACS. PDF Survey of Sexual Victimization, 2018: Locally or Privately-Operated I have no problem with telling folks how many people, even our ages and nationalities. Say no to everything. Some doubt these assurances based on the survey collection process itself. Go Tea Party! Camp Lejeune residents now have the opportunity to claim compensation for harm suffered from contaminated water. And for every intentionally false response to a question, the fine is $500. In July, I started to receive visits. Nobody should answer the ACS survey. 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". You can find no instance of someone being 'required' to respond, or being fined for not doing so. this stupid stupid government and all its crap we have been harassed over and over and over and today again. (ACS questions 1, 3 and 4), 3. After four or five visits with three notices taped to the door over two weeks, they seem to have given up. Get over yourselves! And a law without consequences is no law at all. It feels good to see so many of you willing to take a stand against this invasion of privacy. Corrado Rizzi is the Senior Managing Editor of ClassAction.org. Decennial Census. [19] https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/about/qbyqfact/2016/EducationalAttainment.pdf. The Nazis were just doing their jobs, also, "anon75478" but that doesn't make it right. Throw the thing in the garbage, leave on your answering machine for a few weeks, and slam the door in the face of anyone who comes by. The last time I looked, American's had the right to privacy. Just got my second second ACS survey in the last three years. Well, I will just have to wait for the "or else" because I will not be a robot for this government, asking when I go to work or who are all the females in my house with ages and names. So he then left. It's 1984 - no wait, I mean 2010. This is harassment, I am no threat. For example, in 2013 after the 2010 census, Florida gained two seats in the House, while New York lost two. I filled out the decennial census. We pay as much tax as a so called socialist country about 40 percent, but get nothing in return. We are entitled to "Quiet Enjoyment" of our homes. If they come and announce who they are, I'll simply start yelling, "Non parlo Inglese! Miss. "Popcorn? The ACS is better than a surveillance on the American family. That didn't stop the harassment, visits leaving notes while I was at work, or conversations asking my neighbors questions about me like I was some criminal or something. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (8-27-2019) SURVEY OF SEXUAL VICTIMIZATION, 2018. Keep your posts coming! Next step will be implanting us with chips, or tattooing our arms. It's been an easy decision for me. Horrible, and a total violation of my rights across the board. The census guy showed up here. They would have to take you to court, and they haven't done that EVER. I'm contacting my congressman on this ACS issue today. How do we know who these people actually are? About a month ago (August 2010) I received my first ACS phone inquiry. 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. I got no answer. The next day, a woman came to my gate and was asking me to fill out the form with her. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. P.S. 1121-0292: Approval Expires 09/30/2021. I won't either. And if said "enumerator" doesn't like it, tough! When are they going to get the hint and stop? The Census Bureau boasts a 97% response rate to the survey via these methods,[34] but critics argue this constitutes harassment. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is a national measure of customer satisfaction since 1994, trusted by US government and reflecting annual feedback from . PLEASE let's get them back once and for all! 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 told her actually it's not. Quite honestly, you are not that important. There is absolutely no possibility they can guarantee this information will not be disseminated to others or exposed to malevolent wrongdoers. she said go ahead i'll wait. all this while he was getting ready for work. Today's call is being recorded. The next day I called back and talked to a different agent or whatever they are. We need to take our country back. For another 22, the information is used to aid advocacy groups, and in nine of those cases, the Census Bureau states that the responses will be used by advocacy groups to advocate for policies that benefit their groups, including advocacy based on age,[23] race,[24] sex,[25] and marital status.[26]. How many is all they need to know. Person 33. How many, each age, and each sex. I am an American and this country is no greater than any other. Now who you work for, when you go to work, how much you make; is all stored in a government database. Why am I being asked what my age and birthdate are? 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. The old surveys don't ask for much more than that (other than birthplace). It seems what is good for the goose is not good for the gander. Saying no to the U.S. Census For this census at least and I assume for the 2010 Census the initial person that will come to your house, if you did not fill out the form, is just a normal citizen with a temporary job as an "enumerator". Do some research for "0810" without the quotes and you'll find that OMM no. This ACS thing is quite detailed. 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. I might have to go outside and see if Big Brother is installing hidden cameras. 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 . Empowered by Congress with greater powers to amass information about citizens, the Census Bureau introduced the ACS in 2005. Just answer those ten questions, and get on with your life! Parent/Community Survey and Employee Feedback Opportunity Yes we find the government annoying, but we could turn things around to our advantage and make things fun. answers to this "anonymous" survey, my information would necessarily be identifiable, perhaps through my address, for at least some period of time. Fact Sheet: Protecting and Advancing Health Care for Transgender Adult But seriously, It's not about conspiracy theories. Then they came to my door while I was out of town and left me a note with their name and number. Unlike the every-10-year census, this survey continues all year, every year. It doesn't do any good to argue with the census taker. Now I have people pestering my doorman for my information, pretending to be food deliverymen claiming that I ordered food - just so they can come up to my apartment --wow. I did some research over the summer after I found out about the ACS from reading a WSJ article. I'm not sure I'd complete it though. 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. Soundbar sold separately. Yet, he also said that the American Community Survey is continuing. Departments. "Isn't that enough?" I am glad to know there are plenty out there who are refusing to let our rights be trampled on!! These "enumerators" aren't policemen and they can't make you answer their questions or let them into your house. 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. This is especially true if you have already returned your regular census form. They have to get past the doorman first. Thanks! any lawyers looking for some pro bono work ready to take up this issue? If he shows up, he'll get the same response (or none at all). I suggest that people find a petition out there against this census survey. We received the form last spring. I assume she was a supervisor. what the hell??? I just got my request from ACS today, late july 2010. A number of findings also closely match results obtained from surveys of U.S. faculty and graduate students. Act drunk and make like you're going to be sick on them or pretend to pass out. 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. As a descendant of both victims and survivors of the Auschwitz death camps, I have a keen sense of the length and breadth of what government intrusion in the lives of private citizens can result in. And finally, to the person who looked up the Census rep's name then mentioned her husband had called and wanted her to stop at the store so she looked at him in shock? I'm so glad I'm not alone. so no more. She left, but will I be hearing from her again? Survey/Program: American Community Survey. The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau to provide communities with demographic, social, economic, and housing data every year. I too am grateful for this site. This info is also for the number of State Senators and Congressmen. But I can promise I'll promptly feed it to my hungry paper shredder. Where does the boundary lie with these obsessive idiots? I will not answer the questions on the ACS. We need to stick up for our rights. She stated that they lost it. I don't owe the government anything for going to college. [2] Jill Wilson, R.I.P., Census Long Form, New Republic, May 12, 2010. https://newrepublic.com/article/74934/rip-census-long-form. I don't feel they need to know all the crap they are asking. This country will see a revolution of the people one day, hopefully sooner than later. Thanks, people, for your informative and oftentimes humorous posts here. I gave only the necessary information for an actual enumeration of my household. I said, what makes you think I'm going to turn over my personal information to a total stranger knocking on my door. Look up the original data at Pew Research. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 12286: Don't worry, and don't respond. 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. When we allow them to manipulate us, we turn into "sheeple.". I have half a mind to call the local news media and tell them this story. I'll give you potential issues with being counted. I never will. Any thoughts? This is such an invasion of privacy. I'm paid 400 goats and a chest of elderberries in barter for my services. I said that I still respectfully declined the survey. Census employees never ask for social security numbers or full financial disclosure. But I hit the brakes big time when they ask for your birthdate, among other garbage of race, sex, etc. But the Supreme Court is not supreme over the other branches of government; it is supreme only over lower federal courts. 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"). (ACS question number 33). 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. 5) Arrest criminals from Acorn and stop our tax dollars from funding Acorn and other criminal organizations like them. 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. I am a prisoner in my own home. He handed me the form which I took and threw in the fireplace, in his view, while he said they'll send more people out. how much to start our businesses etc. They are just being bullies. an American History (Eric Foner) Civil Liberties and Rights. People, look around you and see. anon88369: Census enumerators have every right to walk onto your property if they are assigned to do a questionnaire for your address. The last time that happened was more than 40 YEARS ago. Wow. I am not telling them anything. Those . Do they ever stop with this? Skip to main content. He claims we need to answer the long form the ACS, etc. Hurrah for Senator Michelle Bachmann (MN) who has said, I understand, that she will not fill out this piece of trash. I grabbed the handle and slammed the door shut. But remember some of these folks have children to feed, too. Answering the US Census Is Required by Law - ThoughtCo He used to work for the gas company and has been in my house to light my pilot lights. To the small minority who have sneered at me and closed the door, get some help. And the survey demands that you violate the privacy of others by supplying the names and addresses of your friends, relatives and employer. You'd better hope that you are aren't one of the unlucky three. I filled out the form only giving the required information by law and that is how many people live here. Charlottesville, VA 22906 There's comfort in knowing I'm not alone! A: Federal law makes it mandatory to answer all questions on the ACS. I was told that they get thousands of calls per day of people complaining about the ACS. So today I found this census worker peeping tom at my windows, which face the back woods. That's when I lost my patience and said "Look pal, you're here to count people right. The yahoos on the Hill will continue to usurp our rights. This is a violation of our privacy and a malevolent use of government power. New to ClassAction.org? Q: Has the government prosecuted persons for refusing to answer the American Community Survey? Sad, but I simply do not trust the government anymore. All this and I live on an Army installation! Cowards! Others have reminded me that this information about me is posted out in the paper world, cyber world, etc., somewhere. I hung up. No one I have talked to since I received this survey has known anything about it.