Census workers can enter your apartment in your absence
Thousands of census workers, including many temporary employees, are fanning out across America to gather information on the citizenry. This is a process that takes place not only every decade in order to complete the constitutionally-mandated census; but also as part of the continuing “American Community Survey” conducted by the Census Bureau on a regular basis year in and year out.
What many Americans don’t realize, is that census workers — from the head of the Bureau and the Secretary of Commerce (its parent agency) down to the lowliest and newest Census employee — are empowered under federal law to actually demand access to any apartment or any other type of home or room that is rented out, in order to count persons in the abode and for “the collection of statistics.” If the landlord of such apartment or other leased premises refuses to grant the government worker access to your living quarters, whether you are present or not, the landlord can be fined $500.00.
That’s right — not only can citizens be fined if they fail to answer the increasingly intrusive questions asked of them by the federal government under the guise of simply counting the number of people in the country; but a landlord must give them access to your apartment whether you’re there or not, in order to gather whatever “statistics” the law permits.
In fact, some census workers apparently are going even further and demanding — and receiving — private cell phone numbers from landlords in order to call tenants and obtain information from them. Isn’t it great to live in a “free” country?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,749 comments Add your comment
Barr's blog
May 27th, 2010
10:27 am
It is highly unlikely that Barr lied or made up the examples of census abuse above.
iseethelite
May 27th, 2010
11:02 am
How long has this been law? Didn’t you used to be a U.S. Congressman?
mrs. w
May 27th, 2010
11:38 am
They also showed up at my house one Saturday a couple of weeks ago and I too had already sent my form in. What a waste of tax payer money – the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. When informed that we had already met our government obligation they began to question us about one of our neighbors. What was up with that??
D. Henderson
May 27th, 2010
12:09 pm
This is the least obtrusive census in years and I find nothing objectionable to it at all. Your attempts to “paint” the census employees as government goons is very repulsive and highly objectionable. Most of these employees are just thankful to have some money coming in for as long as the census work lasts. Nuts to you and your scare tactics…….
A real life census worker.
May 27th, 2010
12:37 pm
“It is highly unlikely that Barr lied or made up the examples of census abuse above.”
Someone can quite easily mislead without lying or making things up. All one needs to do is to word statements carefully, and throw in a few strawman analogies and you have mislead without having to out an out lie about a subject. Politicians do it ALL the time.
For example take this statement; “That’s right — not only can citizens be fined if they fail to answer the increasingly intrusive questions…” While technically a true statement, it is misleading because the Census Bureau fined no one in the last Census, and has no plans to fine anyone this time around either.
Now lets take this statement: “In fact, some census workers apparently are going even further and demanding — and receiving, private cell phone numbers”. One of the definitions of “apparently is: “appearing as such but not necessarily so”. So by his own words Mr. Barr is saying maybe this is true, but then again maybe its not.
Now how exactly can a Census worker “demand” anything from anybody. They can ask for phone numbers, but how can they “demand” one from someone? A census worker asks you for your phone number, you say no. Does that mean that the two of you start mud wrestling? Now COULD a Census worker push for information beyond what they were trained to do? Sure it is possible but that is NOT what they were trained to do. But again remember Mr. Barr never says this is ACTUALLY true, but only apparently is.
And finally: “If the landlord of such apartment or other leased premises refuses to grant the government worker access to your living quarters, whether you are present or not, the landlord can be fined $500.00.” Again technically true in a way. A gated community is not supposed to stop a census worker from accessing the buildings inside that gated community. But the way this is worded it could/would lead some one to think that the landlord must allow a Census worker INTO your living quarters, even when you are NOT there.
Which only begs the question, if a Census workers job is to count people, why on Earth would they want access to an empty apartment or other living quarters? I really hope no one here is gullible enough to think that Census workers are allowed by law to rummage around your living quarters looking for your personal info to fill out a Census form! Please, please, please tell me it aint so!
But anyway, my hats off to a true politician, who is quite a master at linguistic slight of hand!
Mickey
May 27th, 2010
12:41 pm
My doggy has been trained to tear your balls off if you come into my house while I’m not home.
Census workers can enter your apartment in your absence? | The Raw Deal
May 27th, 2010
12:44 pm
[...] by Nathan R. Jessup on May 27, 2010 – 0 Comments Categories: America, Freedom The Barr Code explains: Thousands of census workers, including many temporary employees, are fanning out across [...]
Nathan R. Jessup
May 27th, 2010
12:58 pm
Startling. Thank you for the story.
http://the-raw-deal.com/?p=2026
NRJ
Maticus
May 27th, 2010
1:06 pm
No, no, no…That’s not how it works. The mandate to allow access is not for entry into a person’s apartment but to gain access to locked or gated communities. High rise apartments that have key coded entries, suburban developments that have a guard posted at the entry gates…places like that. No Census taker will ever enter a living quarter unless the resident is there to respond to the questionnaire. Don’t cry wolf just to get attention…know the facts.
Lito
May 27th, 2010
1:16 pm
Having worked for the Census last month, I can state that this “info” is bogus, utter nonsense. Paranoid balderdash.
Kevin
May 27th, 2010
3:25 pm
I love all the big brother apologist comments. Keep it up sheeple!
Brian
May 27th, 2010
3:30 pm
Yeah, sure. Any census worker can walk into your home, shoot your dog, arrest you, and ship you off to one of those FEMA labor camps. This is exactly the sort of misinformation that makes people with legitimate concerns about federal overreach look like crazy John Birchers. I’m sure the fed was just itching to bestow draconian authority on college kids looking for part time work. Bob, you’re an idiot.
Lilly
May 27th, 2010
4:55 pm
The secret is wear tinfoil on your head. Then the gubment census rays can’t get you! Go libertarians! Cook up more conspiracies to be scared of! It keeps you busy and out of the way not winning elections. Thanks
So much for privacy | TomKnighton.com
May 27th, 2010
5:03 pm
[...] the right to not have government folks just walk on in our homes. But, according to Bob Barr in his column for the Atlanta Journal, that’s not the case when it comes to the [...]
David
May 27th, 2010
5:55 pm
While I agree with Barr on many of his points, as a genealogist, the 2010 census is far less “intrusive” than those of the past. I was really surprised actually. Having said that, the unConstitutional American LIfe Survey is very intrusive and I would simply put on a blindfold and fill in the questions!!
The problem with the Census count is that the Constitution gives Congress very broad latitude on how it collects the info and what info. It really doesn’t have any limits, unfortunately.
Ralph
May 27th, 2010
5:57 pm
I’m working as a Census counter (enumerator, they call it). During our training, we were told we were strictly forbidden to enter anyone’s home, even if invited. We are specifically instructed to interview the person either through the doorway or out of the home entirely. That’s the truth. I don’t know what the law says, but that’s the way we were trained. Sorry to put cold water on your case. What I’ve written is true.
John
May 27th, 2010
6:00 pm
All they need to know is how many. Why should they know what race I am or if i rent or own?
Maybe they should expand the questions to include: How many dumps do you take a day?…
How many times do you masturbate a day?..How often do you pick your nose?…How many
times do you drop the FBomb a day? ..or, Can you provide us with a stool sample to prove
that you exist?….They could show up at your door with a pooper scooper. They can give you
extra credit, and put in a good word for you with the president, if you supply them with your
stool already wrapped in a leak proof container or plastic bag.
Mark
May 27th, 2010
6:01 pm
The Gosh Darn pigs enable this swill. May they rot in Heck for what they’ve done to this country!
Census Workers Can Enter Your Apartment in Your Absence
May 27th, 2010
6:02 pm
[...] Barr Atlanta Journal Constitution May 27, [...]
No-way-Obama
May 27th, 2010
6:04 pm
Enter without my permission, leave in a body bag
Jesus
May 27th, 2010
6:06 pm
No problem, I filled out my census, told them that I have 15 Illegal Mexicans, 6 Russians, & 5 Cubans in the apartment… I’m just trying to fulfill my obligations while getting as much money and voter representation that I can for my District and State…. Do you think 26 people was to little or too much? Smith & Wesson lives at my house, just try to get in!
BK in OK
May 27th, 2010
6:06 pm
I had one of those Community Survey people show up at my place a couple months ago and I flat out ran her off. She told me that she was required to return and gather the information that the survey wants and I told her that she was wasting her time and she could come as many times as she liked. She left empty handed and has not returned. Stand up to this tyranny. Don’t bow down to them.
KW
May 27th, 2010
6:07 pm
Funny how those that say Bob is crying “the sky is falling” are the same ones that think the Arizona police will profile, though the law does not allow it.
Betray
May 27th, 2010
6:07 pm
Come on in Census Worker if I don’t answer the door, I’ll introduce you to Mr. Remington.
A census worker has already vitisted me, and said I didn’t answer all the questions. I said I answered that two people live in my home, and I volunteered that were are both Amercian. I told him I didn’t have to answer any further questions, he told me that I was correct and then politely left.
jb
May 27th, 2010
6:08 pm
If I’m not home, please go around back and come in the dog door. My Great Danes would love to have company for dinner.
Lou
May 27th, 2010
6:08 pm
They are in for a big surprise if they try to enter my house or a family member. I have had enough of this administration. I will fight again for my freedom.
US Census Workers Right to Enter your Abode - Legal Advice
May 27th, 2010
6:10 pm
[...] Census Workers Right to Enter your Abode Census workers can enter your apartment in your absence | The Barr Code America is not the place it used to [...]
Postman
May 27th, 2010
6:10 pm
The postal service could count everyone in one day. They already know everyone.
jsc
May 27th, 2010
6:10 pm
Hey, anything to pad the numbers…
ran roddeb
May 27th, 2010
6:11 pm
Census information is held confidential for 72 years.Information from 1930 and prior censuses is available on-line. If you check the information you will find virtually the same info that’s asked on the current census. I don’t think ACORN was around then so maybe some of you people should be a little less papanoid.
Hmmm
May 27th, 2010
6:12 pm
Oddly written article….
tom swift
May 27th, 2010
6:12 pm
This is pretty weird. I’ve received no census forms and not been visited by anyone. From where I’m sitting, the census isn’t so much intrusive as totally undetectable. What’s going on? Are the Feds really so incompetent that they can’t find a citizen who’s lived at the same address outside Boston for thirty years? I filled out the last census form I was sent, a decade ago, without any excitement. Is the problem that the White House has taken it over, and can’t figure out how it’s done? Bizarre.
BAB
May 27th, 2010
6:14 pm
I guess if you don’t want them in your house/apartment. You could have filled out and mailed in the Forms that were sent to you
Loesje Shema
May 27th, 2010
6:14 pm
I, too, have a temporary job as a Census enumerator. In all of our training, not once were we told we were able to demand access to anyone’s home. If no one is there, we leave our notice and try to follow up by phone. We are told to be at all times respectful and tactful, and to back off if someone is upset or agitated. I have asked neighbors about someone, but only after trying to reach the person myself by phone and a visit. In those cases I say “I’ve been having trouble getting hold of the people living at (address). Do you know if anyone is living there, or what a good time to reach them would be?” At the bare minimum, all we need is the number of people staying at an address on Census Day (April 1). Any other information, such as age and race, is gravy.
The guy who wrote this is a flaming idiot to spread such lies.
Scrapiron
May 27th, 2010
6:15 pm
If I come home and find someone inside the landlord better be standing in front of them because without hesitation gunfire, at least 10 rounds, will errupt. The address and number of people residing there is all they need and will get. Piss on O’Dumbo and his Marxist sharks.
CallMeIshmael
May 27th, 2010
6:16 pm
nelsonhoward:
“When the landlord letz the census worker in without the permission of the tenant, that is “constructive suicide.”
KillSeanPenn
May 27th, 2010
6:17 pm
They look so good with a bul@$! between the eyes
E Vattal
May 27th, 2010
6:18 pm
And someone born a British Subject can’t sign a US bill into law either.
STEPHEN KNORR
May 27th, 2010
6:19 pm
COme thru my door thinking im ther an they would be dead with a bullet in thier head
DEE DEE
May 27th, 2010
6:19 pm
I just have two words for any individual who makes an attempt to enter my HOME… “TRY IT”
this is not what was originally told to americans..we were told that census workers were not allowed to enter your home…. This is going to cause a stir..and if indeed someone gets the idea to enter someones home, There will be Injuries.. What are they thinking???!!!
Matt
May 27th, 2010
6:21 pm
I was walking into a friends apartment complex and some creepy guy was asking if I would let him in. He said, “oh, I’m with the Census no one will care.” he showed me something that a 10 year old could whip up in photoshop as credentials. How do you really know someone is or is not from the Census? Its not like they have a cop car and badge to at least give you some idea they are legit. What a crock, and it puts people at danger.
Stanley
May 27th, 2010
6:23 pm
A little conflicting information and constitutional rights here. We also have a right to have a gun and protect our property. It would be crazy for someone to enter anothers property and not expect possible ramifications.
Census workers can enter your apartment in your absence - MassCops - Massachusetts Law Enforcement Network
May 27th, 2010
6:23 pm
[...] [...]
TFar
May 27th, 2010
6:25 pm
Please state your sources for this information, Mr Barr. I don’t believe that this information is correct. When you make such outrageous claims, you should automatically state your sources if you want to be believed.
True Conservative
May 27th, 2010
6:25 pm
Bob, either you’re an idiot who cannot understand the law or you’re intentionally lying to stir up web hits. Those are the only two options.
No census employee has access to your home or apartment when you’re not there, and to be there when you’re not there defeats the entire point of their job, to have someone present at the home to answer census questions.
All you’re doing is trying to rabble rouse people too stupid to actually read the law of their own accord, and this is coming from someone who would have voted Bush for a third term.
Brad
May 27th, 2010
6:26 pm
While I often agree with Barr, this story is crazy. I am a temporary census worker who knocks on doors and went through the training. While I could tell you tales of waste and inefficiency that would curl your hair, census workers are not told that they can enter anybody’s residence. In fact, we are encouraged to stay outside even if you are home and invite us in. No census worker with any sanity would attempt to enter an empty residence. I am not in the habit of defending the government, which I generally despise, but it must be said also that the census questions that we are asking are pretty innocuous. How many people? Male or female? Age on Census Day and birth date, are you Hispanic? Race? Do you own or rent, and if you own is there a mortgage? Do you sometimes live someplace else? That is about it. Perhaps they have no business asking anything other than “How many people live here”? But they have been taking names, ages, etc. every ten years for a couple of hundred years. They do maintain that all personal information is kept confidential for 72 years. So, decide for yourself if it is too intrusive, but don’t believe that somebody is going to enter your home when you are not there. Old Bob is a great guy, but he can over do it now and again.
Mahakala
May 27th, 2010
6:26 pm
If a census worker walks into my apartment without my permission he will be carried out.
HOMELAND INSECURITY
May 27th, 2010
6:28 pm
How about people from around the world, that enter our country daily, without permission?
You can see thousands of them here – http://www.BorderInvasionPics.com
Linguist
May 27th, 2010
6:29 pm
Bob, you’re a douche and judging from your photo, a raging gay douche to boot.
Geechee
May 27th, 2010
6:30 pm
To the poster who characterized census workers as “goons, thugs, etc.” I am currently an enumerator and am a former advertising executive. Among those on my team are an attorney, a former research analyst for major pharmaceutical companies, a school teacher, a 28-year veteran Chief Petty Officer, and a realtor. Our sister team includes a couple of engineers. I would expect that any of their resumes’ would compete quite nicely with your own.
As to entry to any domicile, census workers will enter only at the invitation of the resident.