CNN

I hope so. I have been practicing my Iranian accent.

Yes they should however any data that pertains to citizenship should be protected for 75 years . Unless they are committing a crime.

Definitely. How else are we go know how many illegals are actually in this country and putting a strain on our economy? If they want to be an American, they should have proceeded the way that everyone else coming to this great country of ours (including my father from Ireland) did, the legal way.

You betcha!!!

HD in Phoenix, AZ

Isn't that asking too much of those people in this country illegally? But if the Census Bureau did ask maybe we would finally find out how many people are in the country illegally. What a joke. It's all about money-the larger the population in a given area the more federal money to be handed out. What a country.

Yes. Isn't that the idea of a census?

Seems to me being a citizen is the whole point of being counted in the -U.S. CENSUS-- I think it should be first question and if the answer is no the second question should be when do you plan to leave!

That's an easy question, yes the course they should be allowed to ask if you are a citizen. The only people that should have a problem with it are the ones that are here illegally. The senses is like taking inventory so we can find out what we have and where to make changes for the future. Asking someone if they are a citizen of the United States is something we need to know. With the security risk from terrorist especially today we need to know how many people are staying here in the United States that are not citizens. Plus it might give us an idea of the many people are here illegally and how much money that might be costing the United States.

Only those with something to hide would not want to answer that question. Many are here legally but not U.S. citizens. Those who
are illegally will no doubt lie about their status, so what is the
harm?

Absolutely Jack. We have enough problems this day and time determining who's legal citizens and who's not. However, what makes anyone think that they will answer truthfully unless documents are required to substantiate the claim?

Sure.....and under the same freedom, I should be able to tell them to take a flying leap at a border crossing.

Yes. To the extent that we all tell the truth on the census will determine the basis on which so many important decisions will be made. It may serve as a basis to indicate just how much clout illegal aliens actually have in this country, especially with respect to the economy. Think about it. If you could snap your fingers and send all illegals back today, would you be able to get through the day on Saturday? I would nto want to think about Monday.

Isn't the determination of the tax base implicit to the pupose of a census?
A census is pointless without knowing about citizenship.

Why bother asking the question when there are folks that will simply lie re: their status. There are any number of illegals, plus ones who came into this country on student visa's, or other reasons and they remain here illegally.

The ones that are true, law biding citizens will step up to the plate and with pride respond truthfully.

Somewhere, somehow our government has created this mess, and are unwilling to even begin resolving it.

I think it should be allowed for the census to ask if you're a citizen, legal resident, undocumented resident, or decline to state.
We need an accurate count of people, and if we know the distribution of illegal folk that can help us allocate resources like charity health-care clinics and police to reflect that previously uncounted demand. It can also indicate how large a part of the regional economy they are, which can help when it comes to revising immigration policy to something remotely sane.
It also means that districting for political seats could be based on actual citizens (potential voters) in a region, not just warm bodies.
To ensure the best possible data, it should be illegal for law or immigration officials to access citizenship data on an individual basis, unless they have a person in custody on a non-immigration-related charge. That way illegals who are not otherwise criminal will not fear to answer truthfully. This would be similar to hospitals, who are prohibited from revealing the immigration status of those seeking health-care.

Of course not.
Political correctness should flourish and invade every facet of our society completely. Don't allow the Census Bureau to ask ANY questions, particularly age, gender, number of family members in the household or their heritage and incomes.
As a matter of fact, the census should be eliminated completely to please EVERYONE, especially the illegals.
Geez!!!

They can't vote, so why count them.

Absolutely but most would lie. We need some sort of Citizen ID just like we have a Social Security card. You present that and then they don't have to ask.

Absolutely. America needs to have some sort of handle on the non-citizens that are here.

Enough coddling and enabling illegals. What's the new word "immigrants". They are here illegally, they are getting all the freebies illegally. They are driving without a license and insurance, illegally. They are clogging up our schools and prisons, illegally. Soon they will get free health care, illegally. Enforce our laws. Ask them, then call the border patrol to pick them up and send them home. California is bankrupt, due to the illegals and all the money we spend on them. Our state just decided to take another 10% out of our paychecks as a free interest loan. We cannot afford this craziness anymore!

Absolutely. What would be the point of the census? We have government programs that are geared to U.S. citizens. We, the people and government, have a right to know who are citizens for this and other reasons. Especially at this point in time. Government can't be trusted, corporate America is infested with crooks, laws are not enforced fairly, taxes are unfair, health care is an embarrassment, fear of terrorists among us grows daily, and illegals are in the millions. It is a matter of administrating our country's funds and citizen's rights properly, fairly and efficiently.

Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI

Yes, It stops from being a fraud and/or terrorist.

yes it should why shouldn't ie because some right wing nut like michelle balkman says so. I am so sick of the republican party always trying to get a leg up on the demcorats by any means necessary. you should be able to prove that you and everyone who lives in your house are citizens of the great country of america and if the rigtht wing nuts don't fill out the form correctly ship their asses out of town.

Jack–
Is the Census supposed to survey everyone who lives in America or just citizens? If someone answer that question, then I'll answer yours.

It would only be worth asking if it was an established fact that everybody who fills out the census is telling the absolute unabashed truth, which they aren't.

Given that fact, asking such a question is pointless. Not only would it serve no purpose insofar as figuring out Congressional district allocations, it seems to me that this is nothing more than a poorly disguised attempt to take a cheap shot at the immigrant population.

Jack,

I did Census work in 1970. It is tedious, tough on the legs, and the perfect job for a 19 year-old kid. We drew maps of every city block, identified 'house-holds,' and knocked on doors to addresses not on a list. The ethnicity of 'illegals' was more varied 40 years ago, but to them we were just another 'Fed.' Let's keep our Census takers safe, and let the statisticians do their jobs later.

Rick, Medina, OH

yes–because if your here illegally why should your being here count for anything.

The Census Bureau should ABSOLUTELY be allowed to ask if you're a citizen. However, answering that question in and of itself without any other evidence of citizenship is pointless. Wouldn't anyone who isn't a legal citizen just lie anyway? And how does one prove citizenship these days with the mass of fraudulent driver's licenses, social security cards, and voter registrations? If the Census Bureau asks the question, it should be in connection with a resulting consequence – if you answer yes, the Bureau will verify by matching your taxpayer ID number (your SSN in most cases) to the Social Security Administration and IRS records. How's that sound, Jack?

YES! Since illegal immigrants benefit from the information collected, they need to be included. By not including them, you act like they don't exist. This process could be beneficial in collecting vital information to help with the HUGE illegal immigraion problem we have in the United States. – New York

Jack that has got to be a loaded question, hell yes otherwise why would you take a census. The purpose is to count the number of U.S. citizens, not a bunch of illegals, I have no problem asking if you're a citizen. As far as my phone number I don't think so, no need for it.

yes would any of the 12 millon or so illegals tell the census that they are not legal i don't think they wil

Jack .... I do think everyone should be counted in the census ..
I believe the illegals in our country are the biggest problem .
They are taking our country down .. Our jobs our health care our education system . We just cannot keep taking more and more people from any where !! The border hemorrhage has to stop !!!!

Pat (brooksville , Fl.)

They should be required to ask if one is a citizen. People who are here legally shouldn't have to pay extra taxes or give up the representation that is rightfully theirs on behalf of those who are here illegally. In fact it seems to me that it's illegal to not ask for the reasons given based on Federal law which makes aiding an illegal alien a crime.

Yes, there is no reason why it should not be asked.

Absolutely! Why shouldn't the question be asked? What do people have to hide? Maybe the fact that they're in this country ILLEGALLY? Let's get serious about this census – O wait, the Democrats don't want this to be a serious census, they're still on their power trip. Can't wait until the Fall 2010 elections to start sweeping them out of office! I just hope that by that time they haven't destroyed this great country with their huge spending bills and "give-away" programs. Boy, do I miss George W!

Yes the census is about citizens, not illegals. The comment is made that not counting illegals will hit some states hard on apportionment – it should! Illegals are not part of the vote and should not be any part of the apportionment – again, this is all about citizens. Yes, lets help the illegals if we can but not this way – after all they do not (should not) vote!

Jack, yes they should. How are you going to possibly get an accurate count of the populas unless you count everyone and what their status is. OH! This is like the "Bail-Out" you fund the unknown without accountability, reponsibility, and transparency. Now it makes sense.

Since the census is used as a tool to determine respresentation in Congress, draw district lines and apportion federal tax dollars, then non-citizens need to be excluded. Congress represents Americans not Residents. They allocate tax dollars obtained from Americans not Residents, and Congresspersons should be advocating and protecting American interests, not Residents.

My gut tells me yes, simply because they do not belong here.
If we fixed the stinking borders this would all be moot.
Lets face it, there will always be illegal immigrants in this country but the problem arises when they arrive here in gross amounts.
Why should they be represented anyway? Vitter is absolutely right.
They should not be counted because they did not do thier part and that is "legally" cross the border. Its a slap in the face of immigrants who did everything they were ask of to become a US citizen.
What ever happen to our countrys pride?
We are turning into a cesspool of prostitutes.

What's the point? Wouldn't any sane person just fill-in "yes" when asked if they were a citizen or not? Why would an illegal alien set themselves up for deportation?

Yes they should be allowed to do so. The U.S. Congress is set up to represent the citizens of the United States and to be fair to all tax paying citizens, that is how it should be.

yes, definitely.

Yes jack, I think the US census bearaue should. Not that they'll ge tan honest answer, but I don't want texas getting more than Idaho based on false numbers. The census also determines, aside from representation, funds for things like Basic living estimates that determine how big a persons unemployment check.

If there are 10, 000 unemployed americans in Idaho and 7, 000 unemployed illegal imigrants here, as opposed to 11,000 unemployed americans in texas and 28, 000 unemployed illegal immigrants in texas, I dont' want the illegal numbers affecting the legal ones.

Well, yes.
Barbin, Arlington, VA

Of course they should be able to ask if you are a citizen. How else will we know how many CITIZENS are living in the US. Not that they will give a ttuthful answer unles made to show citizenship papers but it should be at least asked.

How much money is spent in the U.S. every year on our National Security, you know the kind of security that would be nice to have to keep terrorists from crossing our borders? It is my belief that every person in this country should be identifiable, if not we have no security. So yes, count all of the illegals as illegals, and deport them.

If they're not citizens, how do we know whether or not to include them in the census records? Honestly, things have gone way beyond rational in the running of this nation!

The census has a direct barring on how many representatives from each state. Therefore the census should take into account as to who or who is not a citizen. Why is it that our nation seems to function in fear of this subject?

I would like to see my nation enforce the immigrations law we now have on the books, before we make new ones.

If you are not legal you are not a citizen of this country. Of course, everyone should be required to answer this question. Our governemnt can find a cow with mad cow disease on some remote farm yet cannot and will not do anything about people here illegally. Laws need to be enforced!

What is wrong with us. Yes we have every right to ask if you are a citizen?!!!!

The U S Constitution only addresses/speaks to US Citizens, so of course the census should ensure that the census is only being executed on U S Citizens.

Steve
Clifton, Va

Yes they should we need to know the population of this country and where posible threats are located.

In this I disagree with the Democrats take. If they want illegal aliens counted in the US census, which is supposed to be a count of US citizens, then they are saying that illegal aliens are being represented in the US Congress. Which, if it isn't, should be illegal. Illegal aliens are already getting more of our tax dollars so why should they be represented?

Oh my God! I hope this isn't agreeing with Michele Bachmann!

ONE WORD.................ABSOLUTELY....because IF YOU AIN"T.....You probably don't belong in the USA....unless you are pursuing US Citizenship the right / legal way as described by our Constitution.

No:They should already have that information.
Clarence

Next thing you know we'll be counting dogs, cats and farm animals too! Why bother?

yes, Any government job should only be held by an US citizen and they should be monitored. So if you are not a citizen we need to know.

And how are they going to determine who is telling the truth and who isn't? Anything proposed by or connected to the disgusting David "Diaperman" Vitter should be rejected without further discussion.

It wasn't that long ago that aliens were REQUIRED BY LAW to register each year at the nearest post office.

They should ALSO be required to list their status on the Census Form... if they won't do either, I say deport them!

The is a US census about US citizens. Period. They should only be counting US citizens. People who are illegals do not care one way or the y other. If they did, they would not be here illegally or they would be citizens (or started the path to be a citizen).

The US citizens (or government) should not be paying to support those who are not citizens of this country. Maybe if illegals did not get a free ride, they would not be here?

Should the census people be enforcing immigration laws, sadly no. It might be a good idea to have someone who can enforce immigration laws go with the census people. Imagination what the uproar from certain states if that would happen though. Which I always wonder why though. People who are here illegally should not be voting. Why do congress people care? Someone is paying the congress to care about illegals.

Yes. States should be held accountable and therefore penalized via congressional districts for encouraging illegal immigration (in California through their social services programs) and not doing a better job of reducing their illegal alien populations.

Jack,

Interesting question. It's not the job of the Census Bureau to track down illegals, and probably beyond their capability anyway. However, it IS their job to count citizens. If illegals are counted along with actual citizens, the count will be skewed along with resulting distributions if federal aid dollars. On the other hand, if they are not counted and, therefore, treated as though they don't really exist, states such as Texas and California will miss out on dollars they desperately need to provide services to the children of illegals who are caught in the middle. No easy answer Jack.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

Yes and yes again!

Yes we need to know who's here reguardless of why they are here!

YES. And if you don't want to answer the question, don't. The Census is about who and what we are as a country. Any question that helps answer these questions are a good thing. There can always be a "declined to answer" option, which in itself could be helpful.

Jack,

Census takers absolutely should be able to ask people if they are US citizens. However, what makes us think they will answer honestly? They won't be required to prove citizenship, so what's the point?

Jack, that should be the first question that comes out of their mouths.

YES, YES, YES!

we need to get a count of how many non-citizens the rest of us are supporting!

They should not be allowed to ask the citizenship status, they should be forced to ask it and ask for proof of citizenship. We taxpayers cannot afford to support the illegals in this country. Case in point is California, how well off are they with out the sale of MaryJane? Bankrupt but the taxpayers of Alaska and Texas will be asked to bail them out to the tune of billions if not trillions of dollars.

Absolutely. While they are at it, they should take their pictures, then pass the info along for deportation! I wish someone had the guts to do the right thing rather than continue to wear blinders because of the politics. These people want to live here, but not live by the laws of our country. They don't pay taxes, they don't register for the military, they milk our healthcare system.... The burden is passed on to the rest of us law-abiding citizens. It is simply not fair!!! It is a tremendous drain on our economy and our unemployment problems.

Of course they should be ask if they are a citizen, in fact it should be a requirement. Otherwise it is like a printed invitation to all corners of the world to "come hide in our country". Don't just ask demand proof!

Why not? The purpose of the US Census is for US purposes. The information obtained influences lots of US decisions and policies. If you are illegal, you have NO rights! We shouldn't be working to protect the illegals. TELL ALL US CITIZENS to volunteer the information–as a matter of Pride. The Census worker should be allowed to mark yes/no based on the person volunteering this info. If anyone refuse to say that they are a US citizen voluntarily, then it would pretty obvious that they are hiding something and are likely illegal. Just like a witness to a crime-they should be allowed to identify those that are here illegal. Also, illegal aliens are not just hispanic, we should also make sure we make that clear that we are not just targeting hispanics.

Of course, aren't we counting citizens who are qualified to vote? Its part of the way voting precincts are planned.

The census of the United States is a historical document. which has been taken since 1790. A lot of questions have been asked since that time. It's a statistical document. It's important for many reasons – one being the number of Representatives in the House from each state.

Of course they should ask if one is a citizen. A question of ethnicity is asked so why not this question. It's the census of the United States. That's one statistic that should be known. i would also think that a question as to whether one is a natural born citizen or not should also be asked.

Yes. They should not just ask about citizenship, they should coordinate their input with local, state, and federal officials responsible for enforcing immigration laws. Further, businesses that take advantage of illegals should be heavily fined to pay for the burden placed on local social services and required to sponsor citizenship and pay back-wages to those immigrants who they have abused.

Of course they should be able to ask if you're a citizen. Its a basic question! They need to be able to report accurate statistics. People have gotten way too sensitive lately and are so easily offended. Calm down and answer the needed questions!

There's nothing wrong with asking. Even if they're illegals, they'll say yes since they don't have to show proof. What is most important is that the states get an accurate count of ALL the people who live here. The reality is the illegals aren't "going to be home" when the census takers come around anyway because they're afraid of being caught. It's another big to do about nothing, which Congress is really good at. I wonder if any other country goes through this kind of crap when they take their census?

I don't think they should be asking me anything. They have more infromation on US citizens than we realize. Is it a law that we fill out or take part in the census? I would bet some day if your not involved in the census they will hold you tax refund until you fill out the form.
Bill Ohio

No. As I undertand the census, the purpose is to count the number of people living here, not the number of citizens living here. If the illegal aliens are living here, what difference does it make if they are here on a visa of are here illegally. Count them, then deal with the legal issues.

The U.S. Census Bureau should be allowed to ask and our Hispanic residents should be allowed to answer YES. After all, they can trace their roots back to an America that existed before our ancestors arrived.

Jack
Sounds like The Emporer's Clothes. It seems redundent to ask such a question. If theire here they must be citizens . Otherwise they would be deported immediatly, right. After all our laws require same.

YES, by all means!

YES, and then they should be reported to the FBI, ICE, and INS. Illegal immigration is a crises! No other country in the world tolerates such disregard for this lawlessness at its borders.
Mark

Yes,I think the question should be asked.. We need a true sense of how many people are really in this country. Appropriations for any area should not be penalized by the presence or not of illegal aliens.

We shouldn't be asking this question , they shouldn't be here and they certainly shouldn't be represented . Where else in the world would you argue for rewards for people breaking our laws ???

The Census bureau should be required to ask citizenship even if it has to be delayed to do the job right. Employers as well should have to required that their empoyees are eligible to work in the United States. The American citizens are getting the shaft all the time and it needs to stop. It is not fair to Americans to have to support people who are another country's citizens. is also not fair to all Americans to have to foot the bill for states that harbor excessive amounts of illegals. As a matter of fact, it is foolish.

Hell yes! If they are legal citizens, then,they will have nothing to worry about!

Dee

Houston,TX

Yes they should be asked to indicate if they are citizens of the US or not.
I doubt if many illegals will want to fill out the forms, however, as they are not supposed to be here, after all.
They should be counted for information purposes, but since they cannot legally vote anyway, should not be counted for population of voting congressional districts. How utterly ridiculous when you think about it.
Either make them all legal citizens regardless of status (no I don't like that idea) or don't include them in the count for redistricting. If you make them all legal, then you will have to cover them in the health care reform bill. I doubt that will be popular with the US majority of current legal citizens.
Isn't the operative word here ILLEGAL? Or am I missing something?

Of course citizenship must be part of the census. Only citizens have voting rights, illegals do not. Only citizens should count, not lawbreakers.

Also illegals should not get any welfare benefits. Why reward lawbreakers with benefits of all kinds! The costs of giving welfare to illegals is enormous, and costs everyone plenty.

My great grandfather immigrated from Scotland in 1848, created a prosperous farm from 120 acres of forest in Michigan, raised a large family, and was a township supervisor. As far as I know, he never officially became an American citizen, but when researching my ancestry I found him listed in the 1880 census along with the entire household. It was noted that he was born in Scotland. I think is rediculous to require someone to be an "official" citizen to be listed in the upcoming census.

Of course they should ask. Pretty simple. Because we should know how many citizens we have in this country.

OTOH, people can just lie when asked so the whole argument seems like a non-issue. There is no punishment for lying...is there?

Sure Jack. Let them ask. If they want to lie, they are going to lie. Besides, if it appears there are enough illegal aliens showing up in this country, maybe Michelle Bauchman will leave the country and go back to whatever country she came from. I think she can see her homeland from Palins house.

jack the word YES comes to mind

perry jones
council bluff ia

YES. The census would be a good way to find out how many illegal aliens are in U.S.

Jack –

Not only should the Census Bureau confirm citizenship, it should count any 'undocumented persons' and catalog them accordingly – we then would know just how many potentially illegals we actually have in our country & not just 'estimates'.

Their numbers should not be included for apportionment, government aid, etc. – it makes no sense for Congress to reward States (Congressional seats, Federal aid) for not enforcing federal immigration laws.

They can ask whatever they want! Just as I can choose to answer however I want!

I could not agree with David Vitter more. This country is on a slippery slope! Something has to give before our children find themselves living in a bankrupt country full of illegals!

The Census Bureau should ask everyone if they are citizens. It is very unfair to to legal immigrants and belittles the law as a whole and their efforts to follow the law of this country.

I think they shouldn't ask because I don't see how it would matter. If they're in the US they should still be accounted for in the population/census. Whether or not they are American should not affect the census.

Yes, they should be allowed to ask. Just like they ask for racial identification, religion, and a whole host of irrelevant questions. The people asked, however, SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED

EVERYBODY should be counted. Since our votes don't count anymore they might as well get an accurate head count of all the people the Congress is screwing.

yes the census bureau should ask about citizenship!!!

Yes!

If the Census is based on the count of citizens of the US, then how else do you determine that fact? Guessing? It just goes to show how moronic our government has gotten.

However, remember, it illegal aliens are taken out of the census, Speaker of the House Pelosi will likely lose representatives from California, not gain. What a shame.

No problem for me. Why not ask. Only real Americans count, right

Yes, ask if they're legal and if they're not KICK THEIR ASSES OUT !!!

Absolutely YES.

Yes, I think that it should be asked. Why are we so touchy on this subject. They are ILLEGAL immigrants, not US Citizens. Why would we count them and they're not even citizens.

Yes. Ask if we are citizens. It will give you double the information to make decisions. Common sense, but then common sense is scarce in this country.

What a ridiculous argument. If they are here illegally, do you really think they will say they aren't citizens? This is a discussion about data that cannot be collected reliably.

If I were an illegal I would lie through my sombrero.

Why is this even a question? They're in our country illegally and yet we're going to include them as if they're like any other citizen? That makes no sense. The same goes for providing them health care. If they want the benefits and opportunities we have, then they need to do what we ALL did and become legal citizens.

Yes, Census figures should include information on non-citizens.

Of course they should ask the question
What it really amazes me, being a legal resident, is that they never thought about it before they ordered the forms
That was or naive or intentional deceiving

As a Texas citizen, I understand that by not counting non-US citizens, the apportionment of Congressional representatives and other benefits would be reduced. My question is, why bother having a US census if you count any other citizens besides US? We are not responsible for a Canadian census nor Mexican census nor Iraqi census.

You are darn right they should! This is America and for American citizens. I am SICK and tired of being turned down for jobs here in Florida because I don't speak Spanish! I spent 8 years in the military and I have been out of work for almost 2 years. All over this county there are people out of work and struggling but illegals are thriving. They don't pay taxes and still get free healthcare and child care. Heck if it doesn't matter, I will just give up my citizenship and keep living here and refuse to pay taxes or report my status. See how far I get doing that!

What would be the point? There is no way of checking if someone is lying or not. So the push for this question is a thinly disguised attempt for the Republicans to flush out illegals. Do you really think illegals are that stupid to answer this question truthfully?

Yes the census bureau shoudl ask. Districts should be apportioned according to # of citizens and federal aide should factor in the amount of people that require various services when figuring out allocations to states. For example sewage teatment $ should consider all people in a city not just citizens.

Yes they should ask this question. The census is where this is a vital number. If someone is sensitive about answering it = maybe they are someone who isn't supposed to be here and should leave! We'd all be better off.

Jack, yes, of course they should be able to ask if you are a citizen. So should the department of motor vehicles, schools, medicare, and any other social services. When are the politicians going to start doing what they were elected to do, look out for Americans. 150,000 LEGAL immigrants come into this country every month, even though unemployment is at 10 percent. When is this nonsense going to end? Our politicians are a big joke, they do not care about the citizens of this country. The population needs to wake up and start speaking up.

Jack, the Census Bureau should be reguired to document citizenship. This should be the basis for congressional representation! The 12 million illegall immigrant tail is starting to wag the dog more and more.

We have lost sight of what it means to be a U.S. citizen. The Democrats are more interested in collecting money for their Districts and not preserving the rights of the actual citizens who pay taxes and have legal status that needs protection.

2 illegals have been using my husband's SSN for 13 years, any illegal alien who can speak English is going to say THEY ARE A CITIZEN!

A big FAT YES. I'm a Democrat but I agree with the GOP on this issue.
The Census should only be ued to count US Citizens and not illegal residents that do not taxes or Social Security. Thanks You.

Of course they should be able to ask you if you are a U.S. citizen. What on earth is the purpose of the every-10-year-census if not to tally the number of U.S. citizens living in a given area? Otherwise, why bother if we are just counting the number of people living in a given area. Maybe I should go over to Sweden when they take their next census and see if I can be counter there!

The Census takers should be required to ask if people are legal citizens of the US. Our infrastructure is strained to the hilt in our border states, with free care at the hospitals, free meals at the schools, free tuition at our universities, and people getting welfare when they don't qualify. Our courtrooms are clogged with illegals facing charges on drugs, smuggling, robbery, and entering the country illegally, after being deported multiple times. We have procedures for people to enter this country legally, and those procedures should be followed. It's time to take control of our borders, and one way is to know who is here illegally, to deport them, and to fix the skewed representation in Congress.

Jack,
I thought that the census was a way that the government could find out about we Americans. But if the Democrats want to block the question on citizenship, I guess it proves that the Dems don't like accurate information when it comes to facts and figures. What Dems really want is to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants and sign them up as Democrats.

They should be required to ask citizen status. If the census is to be used to determine the apportionment of seats in congress, then we need to know the number of citizens in each district. After all, they represent the citizens in their districts. It is also important to know the number of non-citizens , illegal or otherwise that are resident in the US. Don't want to answer, fine. Then don't count them.

Sarasota, Florida

Yes! And it has nothing to do with how we treat the issue of illegal or legal immigrants in the USA; it is just an administrative important fact! We need to know who is who!!

If I'm okay with living here illegally, then what are the odds that I will be honest enough to tell you that I'm not a U.S Citizen. Are you telling me that after all the millions of dollars spent on trying to weed out illegal aliens, that all it takes is a census application. You all better come to your "senses"

Of course you should ask the question. The survey is for CITIZENS of the United States, not illegal residents. If California and Texas look to loose federal money with the results of the census then they should get rid of the problem, not try to make the rest of us pay for their lack of character.

Of Course! The census forms the basis for determining who gets represented by whom at each level of government in the.U.S. (From municiapl to federal). Last time I checked, the consititution npor the Bill of Rights did not lay out provisions for representing non-citizens.

Definately! I also believe that illegal immigrants should not be allowed to get benefits. Too often they take away the benefits that should be for american citizens. They need to earn their rights to come to the US just like everybody else. If they are here illegally, they should be sent back to their country until they can come here legally. Until then, they have no rights!!!! Therefore, they shouldn't be counted as part of the legal population!

NO, The states that are stupid enough to tolerate illegals should not be rewarded with more representatives and tax payers money.

Jack, yes, they should along with SS number. Then they should verify that number, and if it is not valid, then have them deported. The law is the law.

Personally, I feel that census workers should be able to ask if someone is a citizen, but in the aftermath of that poor census worker who was lynched, I'm not so sure it's a good idea. I remember when the Census sent out forms that said basically if you want to be counted and maybe get more Federal funds for your neighborhood, fill this in and send it back. It would save a lot of money, and more importantly–lives.

It wont make any different Jack when asked if they are citizens they will either lie OR not admit information about themselves...

Yes. Census takers should ask each and every person–Are you a citizen of the United States. If this is not done, Congress is supporting
and endorsing and advancing criminal behavior. If Congress can subvert our law in this manner, what if Congress voted to invite every person from Mexico, Central America, and South America to come and live illegally in the United States? And, what if Congress directed every citizen to house from five to ten illegals in his or her home?

Jack et all: Please read Article 1, Clause 3 of the Constitution; Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportined among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other persons (replaced by Section 2, 14th Amendment). The actual enumeration shall be made...within ever subsequent term of ten years. The key is for a determination of the meaning of "free persons".
Thanks

Sure, they should be authorized to ask it. But do you honestly believe that the illegal aliens are going to be honest with there answer? THEY ARE ILLEGAL!! And we get money for them, yet Americans are suffering with homelessness, illnesses and crowded schools. We already know who is illegal, we need to lock the borders down, re-group and begin helping our fellow citizens! I notice MANY people here in California that are illegal are getting the H1N1 Vacccinne before me and my family can! And yet we have to spend time to ask if there citizens...c'mon!! Send them home and let the Americans get what is coming to them...

Yes. Indeed this question should be asked. It is time we make the benefits available in this country conditional upon being a citizen. I am so tired of the illegal immigrants thinking they have the same rights as the immigrants who waited their legal turn. To top it off, the census is used to give out help to states, and my state, Wisconsin, is one of the best states to be in for help. The illegal immigrants expect all the benefits provided to the legal citizens and immigrants–is this fair? I think not. Ask the question–we deserve an answer.

I do think the Census Bureau should be allowed to ask whether or not your a citizen. What real reasons do you not to. Like you said there are around 12 million or so illegal immigrants here in the us. There are people waiting years just to get into this country. And there are people out there that are willing to give such cheaters of are system who sneak into this country the same rights as me... sickens me deeply.

Yes absolutely. Why are we catering to individuals who are here illegally?? They are starting to have more rights than the legal US citizen.
Why are they scared to admit they are here illegally?? There is an estimated 12 million illegal aliens here in the US. I don't think they should be scared. Nothing bad will happen to them, nothing is being done about it anyway. They are starting to have more rights than me. They are starting to take over my state of Florida anyway. Half the time I can't understand anyone around me because they don't speak English. We are just rolling out the red carpet for them.

It really does not matter if the person is a citizen or not... the census is to count the number of people that are in the United States... There needs to be an accurate count... Census Takers are not ICE Agents and they should not be put into that situation.

Yes! Are you a United States citizen should be the first question on the form.

MOST DEFINITELY. Why should states like California, etc. get more electorial votes for allowing illegal aliens make up their congressional district. If they are ILLEGAL they should not be counted. If any citizen does something illegal then they have to pay. That's what the word illegal means. The congressional democrats do not want their congressional districts change because they might lose power in Congress. Seems like the citizens, in your blog, are all for in agreement that only CITIZENS SHOULD BE COUNTED.

ASK!!!! What is to be gained by not asking??? If they don't answer, don't count them.

Why bother whether someone is a US citizen or not? I would think that its more important for the safety of the nation (if you want to look at it that way) to simply know where people are living and maybe even migrating trends.

This nation was built on the backs of immigrants and future generations have a right to know where their ancestors were in 2010. Lets not make a big deal out of EVERY little thing that we have to do people. At this rate, nothing will ever get done.

The real question is this the American People's country, or is it the Illegal Alien's country. I don't know were they think that they have rights in our country, they do not, go home and make your country better, rather then running away, and taking the easy route by coming here and leeching off of the tax payers the American people!

Sure Jack, but ya know, if the idiot republicans wouldn't have left the boarder open for the festering drug addicts and invaders to the south the last 8 years of the W, and these idiots in office now doing the same thing, you wouldn't even be asking this question.

Yes Jack, everyone should be asked if they are a citizen. If they are not citizens, they should not be used for congressional districting. They can't vote, or can they?

Definitely they should ask about citizenship. This is a US CENSUS
not a survey or poll. Voting rights, social security, and all programs need to know how many citizens we have in our country. They should
not receive entitlements we have to pay for...

I am a legal resident alien and I think they should ask. As the matter of fact, they should even ask to see proper identification, otherwise, some may just lie. Deport all illegal aliens, do not give them any tax payer supported aid, do not offer any language help in schools or on documents. I learned English within one year and my language skills are not good. IIllegals are cheaters, and with the treatment they are getting, I feel cheated.

I think all people should be included in the census.We need to know how many citizens are in this country,and how many illegals.I am tired of paing for so many people that don't pay their share.

Jack

The is yes. The intent of the census by our forefathers was to determine the population of citizens. The distribution of congressional seats is to represent citizens. I am a Democrat and I'm embarrassed at the manipulation and deception of a basic premise such as citizenshiop. This is another example that our government is out of balance in both houses. I never thought I'd say this but we need more Republicans and Independents to balance the liberal left-wing. Jack citenship counts and it needs to mean something. It is shameful what the Democratic majority is doing in Washington.

Dave

Read the consitution -14th amendment says count all persons! Not except illegal immigrants. End of discussion

I assume illegal aliens being counted in the census is the first step to speed them to legal status.I am told the illegals do the jobs Amercans do not want to do. Why not round them up put them in the military and let the illegals serve this country. The illegals will flock back to there country of origin

Absolutely, isn't the purpose of the census to determine, congress, and allotment of tax dollars etc.? States like TX and CA should be penalized for allowing illegal immigrants to live in their states. Obviously they(illegals) are a recipient of the state tax dollars, the loss of fed dollars would be good motivation to decrease illegal immigrant refuge in their states.

If asking whether an occupant of this country is a legal citizen or not is inconvenient, then why ask any demographic questions at all? Why was the Census established in the first place, but to gather accurate information about the population? Saying that it would be tedious and time consuming to ask questions in a Census, is like saying that "a forest would be great without all the trees, they just get in the way." Whether people are honest or not only shows the state of our nation.

Jack,

I will admint that on the surface of it, including illegal aliens in the census seems pretty outrageous. I'm as against illegal immagration as anyone. But the fact that the Census Director doesn't want to ask people whether or not they're citizens, gives me pause.

This could just be another case of Republicans trying to be obstuctionist. What's Rush say about it? If he's for it, I'm agin' it.

By counting the illegals, won't those Republicans in Texas be just as well off as the Democrats in California? Sounds like a wash to me.

Yes.
If "illegal" then enforce the law and send them home or indenture them into the military. Note: you said"75 percent of America's young people between the ages of 17 and 24 are unfit for military duty."
Maybe the "illegals" are. They are NOT immigrants, but "illegal" so let them earn it, indenture them or send them home.

Yes they should ask if you are an American. Democrats are power hungry hypocrits,As much as the Republicans ran us into the ground the corruption seems to be off the scale now. Just wait, they won't ask if you are a citizen only to inslave the the population. WAKE UP...

I am not a citizen but I am here legally. I have applied for citizenship and will be most proud to so state once I have taken the oath. Where on earth is it not "PC" to state if you are here legally? These politicians need to answer to the voters, not just the fat cats who make big profits using cheap illegal labor.

Do you have to show your license when you go to the DR.? Well then what's the problem if your not doing anything wrong.Of course they should have to.These numbers cost American tax payers lots of money especially for spending on things we don't agree upon.

This is part of the reason that our country is broke, we send billions their home country, and still they come here to get the rest of our money. We just keep repeating the same mistakes of the past trying to be the welfare state to the world!

Please people wake up before we can't get anymore credit from other countries!

Only way I can think that we can rely on the truth of citizenship is to send Sheriff Joe Arpaio to everyone's casa. What illegal would admit that they are illegal. We probably need to help the DHS and the Justice Department with the defination of 'illegal'. It should be a person that did not enter legally – who cares what language or what their ethnic background is. Try getting into Russia or England – Jack!
It's a good idea but a waste of the census takers time. Enforce current laws. Let's stop disrespecting the legitimate and contributing Hispanics. They are lumped into this mess unfairly.

Of course the census should be able to ask if you are a citizen, it asks everything else. Poking our heads in the sand doesn't make the immigration problem go away, and its pretty pathetic that some politicians prefer fake ignorance so their states gets more money and seats to represent people who should be arrested and shipped back to where they came from!

Just make a seperate census just for illegals. Have it be a branch of the ICE... See how many of em we can trick.

Are you kidding me? Should the question "Are you an American Citizen" be allowed on the U.S. Census form? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congress is voted in (hired) by American Citizens. They can be voted OUT by them, too! Anyone hear "YOUR FIRED"?

Cindy
Syracuse, IN

Tucson, AZ – I see no reason to prohibit the census from asking this question, but I see not reason for requiring it either. The Constitution states "Persons", regarding the enumeration and apportioning of Congressional Districts, but uses the word "Citizen" as a qualification for being a Representative or Senator. Clearly, the Founders knew the difference and meant it to be this way – the more persons, the more Representation, citizens or not. I am pretty much fed up with Right Wingers misconstruing, misquoting and misusing the Constitution – aren't you? John Boehner the other day quoted the Declaration, a document without legal standing, and asserted it was the Constitution. Give me a break!

I think they should have to PROVE they are a citizen! Those who aren't should have to either show a green card or go to jail to be deported!! That would create new jobs – officers to arrest them, to guard them, to get them to the transportation that would take them back to their country, etc. Spend the bailout money in this way – more productive!

It’s hard to believe this question is even being discussed – OF COURSE it’s important for the Census Bureau to asked if you are a US Citizen. Statistics on both citizens and non-citizens should be very important and valuable to everyone, especially legislators. You can avoid asking non-citizens if they’re legal visitors, but we need to know what portion of our population is US Citizens.

California and Texas were not states when the founding fathers mandated in the Constitution to count all the people (aka census) to establish a representative government. Then, after the government was formed, they could deal with immigration issues.

I am somewhat ambivalent about the census asking if you are a citizen, but ultimately would have to say no, as most immigrants vote for more progressive candidates, and as long as they don't actually vote, I appreciate them keepinfg the Cheneys, Palins, and neocons in check.

David' Vitter's reason for having census takers ask residents about their citizenship reveals – hypocritcally albeit – that he is first a Senator and second a Christian. Repuclicans in general need to read what the Creator has to say about the treatment of strangers: "Love ye therefore the stranger." We are all strangers and sojourners in this world created and ownned by the Creator.

Dear Jack,

Regarding disclosure of Citizenship in the 2010 Census, the bureau should ask what it always does. For example, I quickly check the 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 Census Forms; and if a person was not born in one of the States they were required to state whether they were a citizen or not!! (Reference: Blk 16-18 in 1900; Blks 15-16 in 1910; Blks 13-15 in 1920 and Blks 22-24 in 1930). The question is idiotic. This is data the Census Bureau has always asked, and should ask in 2010. Representatives are apportioned based on population. And who do they represent...as always, citizens!

Regards,
Jim Forcum

Yes they should, and if they do not, i will not be giving any information to them about my family, that piece of paper will go straight to the trash can!

please! should they be allowed? they should be instructed to DEMAND documentation! with unemployment at record highs, the economy in the tank and these illegals having jobs and sending their money back to another country and no taxes paid to support the benefits they receive or will soon receive, its no wonder so many states are either bankrupt or on the verge. we need to take care of our disabled and elderly "legal" citizens and send these people back to their own countries for them to take care of! give me a break.

Absolutely, illegals should be asked if they are citizens of this great country. Not only that, they should have to prove it either by birth certificate or the immigration papers one receives after being granted citizenship. I am presently a democrat but believe me if this nonsense continues I won't be. I emigrated here from UK 46 years ago and was proud to be a citizen and felt good about the governmernt and the respect the USA received from the world. I wish I still had that same feeling of pride. This political correctness will be the downfall of this country I'm afraid. It is hard to ship back 12 million illegals, I know, but for God's sake stop any more from coming in!!!

Absolutely all who are counted should have to say they are or are not citizens. This would be a more reliable information basis. Illegal or not should not matter. If you don't want to ask citizenship you are including people who do not have the right to vote in with those who do. Am I correct this information has an effect on funding and electorial votes? What exactly do they do with this information?

Read the constitution, 14th amendment says count all "persons" , no exceptions in that amendment
Preston Marx
Covington, La

No. what is the difference? it doesn't matter – the more people, the more congressional districts and dollars. it seems that everybody is taking this issue in a different direction. a good business person will tell you 'No' every time. Is not like a census is giving any kind of rights to illegals, and for those saying that illegals are costing us tax dollars, and taking jobs, show me... show me that you really want to do the work they do... show me that you're paying for illegals... we're paying more for insurance because of bad drivers, we're paying more for health care because some people want a piece of the profits (you know who they are).

NO WAY Jose! Why should ILLEGALS be included in our census? They shouldn't! California, Texas, and Arizona should not benefit because they are violating the Constitution. Let them suffer until they smell the coffee of illegal immigration....If they, State governments, want to continue to steal monies from tax abiding and paying residents, for housing, medical, education, subsidies, food stamps, etc. for them, then let thoe states go broke! Do not let those States get larger representation for people that don't exist legally. We should be witholding any form of support based on the census to those states that chose to operate outside of the Constitution, which by the way is not fluid as believed by some of the nut-jobs in office and on the Supreme Court......just my two cents....

They shouldn't be able to ask for it. They should need to ask for it, and to ask for proof of it.

My parents were legal immigrants from Germany in the late 1950's. Counting illegal aliens in the census without accounting for their citizenship dilutes/distorts the numbers. I feel unrepresented and ripped off by my own government when it counts people for resources which are not legally theirs. So absolutely yes, the census takers should ask about citizenship!

Roughly 12 million people Hmmmmm. Ok ask me if I am a US citizen. I say yes. What do you do to disprove it? Come on folks, what a joke this is. Is it the amount of Illegal aliens living here that matters or is it the inability to do anything about it? If you can’t find a way to stop it, what does it matter what the census say? Yes and I was born yesterday. Happy birthday to ignorance.

Yes, the census is the basis for so many forms of change or modification of different government, the number of representatives in a state and other forms forms of distribution of monies, that should be controlled by how many CITIZENS not how many PEOPLE are counted. There is no reason to count the illigal intrants to the United States, they are not now and probably will never be citizens. If they want to be counted make the effort to be legal citizens.

They should be required to ask if they are a U.S. citizens. What part of illegal do the democrats not understand?

Yes and not just them but every level of our government local and national need to ask this simple question, how long before we lose everything, because we want to take care of others, before our own people!

I believe the citizenship question must be included a in the Census. If you want a nation, not a population, if you want citizenry, not just free-loaders – then yes, absolutely! If you just want a head-count, like they count sheep in a barn – then no, this is a non-issue. Most likely, our so-called leaders do want us to be just a population of cattle, with no allegiance to anything American, as long as we live here – they presume as long as we reside here, it suits our needs. And theirs. Clearly, a divisive issue by design.

Of course they should..
This type of opposition is the type of liberalism that will get Democrats voted out of office.. Its a shame that in Congress the parties actually disagree on putting Americans first.

As a Democrat this is exactly the type of thing that will force me to leave the party. I stopped contributing to them because of their always putting illegals first.

I know of no other country that puts illegals first..

Absolutely. I can't understand why not as the right of representation should only be awarded to the citizens and if California looses millions of dollars then maybe they will start cracking up on illegals.
Former Californian and naturalized citizen.

To be clear and concise on this issue, not only should the census-takers be allowed to ask whether or not you are a U.S. citizen, they should be REQUIRED to ask. I don't care how long the census might be delayed ! Once again, the Democrats are hiding behind the cloak of the "politically correct". It is way past the time that the current laws on immigration should be inforced. These laws should have been and continue to be enforced by everyone involved at all levels of law-inforcement. To do otherwise would be to give up on the America some of us love.

Ronald Baker
Chapmansboro, Tennessee

The census is supposed to be an accurate count of citizens, not illegals. Of course the question should be asked. Its depressing that the Democrats continue to champion the 'rights' of illegals over citizens of this country. So where's the Change We Can Believe In?

God bless everyone . please leave this poor people alone .In This country ,even animals getting better treatment than undocuments. We All gona die one day ,so what is this hate for.Try to love everybody

johnny

god bless everyone.

I think the U.S. Census Bureau should be allowed to ask
if you are a U.S. citizen and everybody who are in this
country as of April 1, 2010 should be counted in the
2010 Census. I have worked as a field operations
supervisor for the Census and an accurate Census 2010
is very important.

Yes Jack its been apart of America ever since I was able to work in this country . Matter of fact this to me has been the begining of our problems the tearing down of the American fabric ex. burning of the American flag. Right to bear arms etc. I feel it is important to know who is in this country isnt that what homeland security is about? at least thats what they tell me. Im a strong Democrat and proud of it but every now and then Republicans make a good argument. most jobs have a natural order of recruitment or employment whether its a vocational apprenticeship, four year instituion and or military. If hiring illegals you mess up the natural order of employment and you flood the market. Keep the market in demand and Americans will always be working.

Yes, the question should be asked. How are we ever to know how many illegal people are here taking over our country. We shoul seek out any and all illegal imigigrants here. They are robbing the citizens of many things. If they can't be legal, why should they be allowed all the privaleges that citizens have? They need to learn to speak ENGLISH in order to hear the words GET OUT we are tired of paying for you when all you give us is problems, crime and lazy people living off a system that is suppose to be helping its tax paying citizens.OUR COUNTRY IS SO SOFT ON CRIME THAT IT INVITES THE ANIMALS TO MIGRATE TO US AND DO US HARM. AMERICA WAKE UP!!

to John in Ft. Collins:

Your great grandfather came here in 1848. Nearly everyone in the US back then was born elsewhere. No doubt if there were any citizenship rules they were quite different 160 years ago. Also, there were no entitlement programs like welfare, medicare, social security and health care reform issues to worry us as to which Americans are paying taxes and contributing their fair share and which are not. Clearly your ancestor from Scotland was a model immigrant. My relatives also came from Scotland about the same time as yours so I can relate. They also worked hard and contributed much to America.

OH MY GOD, Jack. The word ILLEGAL says it all. They are criminals, they've broken the law by being here. I don't want my government spending my tax dollars for any other reason than deporting them. If they come here legally. then I'm all for helping those who help themselves, have self respect, and become productive members of the community. What part of ILLEGAL do you not understand.It's true. They're taking the United States back without an army and it's going to be a third world country within 20 or so years. But I guess that's just fine with Liberals.

Absolutely YES, you can ask and insist that people answer the census questions honestly. So should hospitals, clinics, the department of motor vehicles, schools, medicare, and any other social services.

GET A REAL COUNT OF PEOPLE LIVING AND RECEIVING SERVICES HERE IN THE US OR DON'T BOTHER !!!

I live in a smaller inner city in New Jersey. A very large portion of my property taxes are used for school taxes. I have no children in the school system. A majority of the illegal families in my town have an average of 3-5 children.

A real CENSUS COUNT will allow this city to get the TRUE federal subsidies that it is entitled to based on the real population, not the ones that were 'counted' during a census.

I have done family genealogy. Those taking the census in years past were required to not only ask if the people were citizens but also ask the date they were naturalized as citizens. I found it to be very helpful information to find ship manifests, origin information.

We have asked trivial questions as: "How many bathrooms or televisions do you have? " Why not questions that effect our taxes and security?

Yes, they should be able to ask you if you are a citizen. Maybe they could get a semi accurate accounting of just how many illegals are here in the U.S.

I firmly believe that it is appropriate to include a question in the census about whether a person is a United States citizen.
To state that it would be time consuming or can cause delays if one question is added to the census form is not justification for leaving the question out. I doubt that would be the case. We have been reluctant to address the issue of illegals in our country and this is a pressing issue which needs to be acknowledged and dealt with.
The purpose of the census is to plan for the next decade by identifying areas of growth and decrease in our population and not asking about citizenship will cloak a very real problem and lose an opportunity to get an accurate picture of our population.

Yes! I also agree that the US Census Bureau should ask that question even if you are a USA citizens.

Yes it needs to be on there. Whether they answer truthfully is another thing. Are we allowed to live in any other country illegally? No. So why should the US be any different. My great-grandparents came to this country legally so should everyone else.

The census bureau should ask if individuals are citizens. Taking the "no citizenship info" concept to the usual government conclusion means that if any visitors are "staying in the US on short trips" they should also be counted. The census bureau would have to have representatives at hotels to make sure they get everyone.

The census bureau should count citizens. Citizens pay there the salaries of the census takers.

If the U.S. census is to find out about how many constituents
for a state for our representatives, citizenship should be asked. Illegals
cannot vote. so what's the purpose other than to find out how many people we have to take care of.
Jack
California

This is The Unites States Of America the last time I checked and absolutely the question about citizenship should be asked in the census of 2010.This President and his administration have forgotten that the Government should act in a way that is best for its people.It appears that since November of 08 everything that is being done by this Administration is done for the purpose of trying to consolidate its power by increasing government control over every facet of our lives,eroding the rights and freedoms of the CITIZENS to whom. they shoud be responsible and to change the landscape of America by disregarding the principles set forth in the Constitution and The Bill of Rights.Is this the change we can believe in? I don't think so

Absolutely !! Why are we so ashamed of our once strong country.Why are we so deep in denial about what is hurting our country ??
Open Debate and ""The Truth""............why does anyone want to hide who they are????????
David

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! What does it matter what your citizenship is? ...Everyone in this country needs to be heard...We are all equal...remember?

Of course they should be able to ask that simple question! And we should also be asking for each person's social security number of that household. When the tabulation is complete, three things should happen: with respect to redistribution of representatives in Congress, they are not counted, the social Security Administration should be mandated to get off their lazy butts and check the SSN's to make sure that the ones given are not stolen, duplicates, or of dead people; and lastly the government should have the INS get these people and remove them from the US and give them paperwork in English on what they need to do to become official US citizens. Then, they can officially be used in a future census in the future.....

There's another aspect to asking questions about citizenship.

I was a census taker 10 years ago. Some people refused to answer such personal questions as, "How many people live her?" There was even a woman who threatened to "accidently" let her dog out if I didn't go away.

I can't imagine asking someone if they're in the country illegally. How about adding questions such as, "How many drug dealers live here?"

The purpose of the U.S. Census Bureau is to get accurate count of the population living in U.S. congressional districts. Why is that important? Because larger populations generally garner more influence & draw more $$$... Legal citizens or not, undocumented people live, work, pay taxes, and draw services in these districts. And honestly, pretending like they don't exist is of no real benefit anyone. We have a branch of the gov't which considers matters of citizenship: it's called the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service.

Oh please ask me! I became a US citizen and I am proud of it!

It's better to know the exact status of the people in the country without having to know their identity. That way services and funds can be apportioned appropriately. Everyone knows there are millions of illegal people living here so why not have them be counted so we know exactly what sort of a problem we're dealing with.

The answer is yes, and it should be. It would be like planning a party and your head count is confirmed, but when people start to sit down, there are not enough chairs? Who snuck in and didn't pay their way? Wouldn't that that person who crashed the party be removed? Get rid of the crashers.

Seriously?! is this really what Congress is worried about? Maybe we should have a king then if that stupidity will reign over our governing body. Who cares if we ask if your a citizen?! It should be just a natural thing that if you are filling out the US CENSUS that you are a citizen. The better question is why are we allowing people that are not US Citizens to fill out the census? Do we now consider Germany, France, and China part of our census? Then why should we consider people living in the US illegally part of our census? How is it that these people who are not even supposed to have an United States adress getting a census form to fill out?

Unfortunately, in able to get the most accurate count of the number of people in the U.S. and where we all live, we'll need to allow people questioned to not state whether they are U.S. Citizens. It's important that the Census info is as accurate as possible, therefore more than likely the best way we can get the most accurate info. is not to ask about citizenship. –The number of people must be counted and illegal immigrants would be afraid to tell the truth for fear of being sent back to their home countries or being prosecuted for having broken our laws. This Is Just Reality.

Sure, they should be authorized to ask it. But do you honestly believe that the illegal aliens are going to be honest with there answer? THEY ARE ILLEGAL!! And we get money for them, yet Americans are suffering with homelessness, illnesses and crowded schools. We already know who is illegal, we need to lock the borders down, re-group and begin helping our fellow citizens! I notice MANY people here in California that are illegal are getting the H1N1 Vacccinne before me and my family can! And yet we have to spend time to ask if there citizens...c'mon!! Send them home and let the Americans get what is coming to them...

They shouldn't ask-they should DEMAND to know who our own damn citizens are!!! The very fact that this is in question tells a lot about what this country has come to be.

Most definitely the question should be asked. It is important information. It has been asked every census since 1880. Why not now? Are we hiding something? The answer is yes. Also ask if the speak, read & write English because that is key information too.

No question what your political leanings are, get the whole story!

I think the US Census should be composed only of citzens of the US.
No explanation should be needed.

I agree that most illegal immigrants will lie or not participate if asking about citizenship becomes part of the census count. Therefore, it will make it even more difficult to get an accurate picture of the US populace. Additionally, assuming that federal funds would be distributed based on census counts, those citizens who will suffer the most are those living in areas where there is a higher concentration of illegal immigrants, potentially making those communities more impoverished and potentially escalating crime due to lack of resources. Do we really want to implement something that could have such a consequence and put more of our citizens at risk? I am a US citizen. However, if indeed this becomes part of the census count, I would protest by refusing to participate myself.

Yes...I want the Congress of this country to understand that they are responsible to the citizens, I repeat the citizens, of our country, and not to those who have come here illegally and had children. I am sick of the illegal immigrant lobby trying to hijack the laws of this country to justify their being here and receiving benefits.

I expect the President and the Congressional and Judical branches to enforce the legal laws of our country. I am tired of feeling like a second class citizen in my own country. Perhaps President Obama needs an example of how to send back the illegals in our country. He could learn much from President Eisenhower.

And, let's remind the Congress and the President who they represent: the citizens of the United States of America. They do not represent the illegal immigrants who violated our laws and have taken resources from our citizens. I would like an explaination from our federal government as to exactly how much it has cost the taxpayers of this country for signs in Spanish, inpreters, services needed for illegal immigrant children, medical services, etc. No one has ever given the taxpayers this information.

In times of limited resources and jobs, it is criminal that we have 12 million illegal immigrants residing in this country. Our citizens have the right to our resources, not illegal immigrant.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!

It will create additional barriers to obtaining an accurate count and further increase racial/ethnic division.

The point of the census should be to count CITIZENS. If not why wouldn't the count include tourists?

Jack,

I think that the question can be there but is not a vital part to the census. I dont think that having been born within the borders of the US makes you an American citizen anyway. Sure it makes you a citizen but you can be a non American in the process. I thought we all took pride in helping those who need help? Last time I looked, there are more people abusing the system who are here legally than those who arent. I assure you that we dont pay their rent for the cockroach infested places they live in. A crook in Wall Street can take more from your pocket than what an illigal can. I can bet on that much.

Californian Heart on Canadian Soil.

The purpose of the U.S. Census Bureau is to get accurate count of the population living in U.S. congressional districts. Why is that important? Because larger populations generally garner more influence & draw more $$$... Legal citizens or not, undocumented people live, work, pay taxes, and draw services in these districts. And honestly, pretending like they don't exist is of no real benefit to anyone. We have a branch of the gov't which considers matters of citizenship: it's called the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service.

FACTS are what drive the census. The census, treated as an original source, drives countless decisions about voting districts, resource allocations, planning decisions and political negotiation. If we don't know about those who live here, with truthful answers to questions unmarred by fear about immigrant status, green cards and citizenship applications, the result is bad decisions irrationally made. Take a pill. Count the people.

It is puzzling to me how concerned Americans are with Illegal Aliens as a source of their woe's, as their very high paying jobs are being sourced overseas to China and India. Fortune 100 companies are actually importing Mid to Senior level managers to work here and get paid half of what you would work for.

AMERICA...I think you have bigger issues and problems than with "Maria" cleaning toilets at the Holiday Inn. GET A GRIP ALREADY!

They should ask the question of citizenship. If you do not know if someone is a citizen, you are not getting a true pulse of the population. Isn't that the purpose of the census? We also should not base the census on people who are illegal. If we did that, in essence are we not giving illegals representation in our government? We should also not give government monies to areas based on an illegal populations. If we stop providing money to the illegals, perhaps we would not have the problem once they realized that they could not be carried by our government.

What other "sane" country in the world allows illegals such rights?

Of course all the dirt bag Dems are against it because they are counting on all the illegals to get more money allocated to their district. And, when they grant them amnesty, they will be forever grateful and indebted to the Democrats. What a joke. Of course they should ask the question. What rational reason can they give for not asking? Why is it so burdensome on the Census?

We should ask the question, ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! And then publish on CNN how many illegals are in each state. And when the counts are in for redisticting, the number of illegals is subtracted.

The people then need to see who the politicians are that complain and We The People need to protest them and impeach them from office for dereliction of duty to the Constitution.

It is unfortunate that the congress thinks that they can make laws that treat these criminals as citizens.

Take the adults, their kids, and shop them back! Oh, and those naturalized by these pregnant women walking over the border or coming here illegally and having kids, then we send them back and give the kid the option to come back as a citizen when they turn 18. But, the parents have to do it the hard way, LEGALLY.

So there are between 12 and 40 million people who are not supposed to be here, how much money is that costing us every year if they we are spending 20k on them in benefits. The number is around 240 billion to 800 billion each year in benefits wasted money on people who are robbing us blind and putting us into far greater debt! It is time for them to be caught, and sent back home, we just can't afford to pay out all of this money by counting them in our Census.

YES afterall the elected officials should know who they are representing

Foley,al. Yes, and, if when they ask if you are and you say no, then we know the next question....

Of course NOT. Only an ignorant idiot would consider asking this question. A true count would never include this questions in its process. Additionally, this type of question would further disenfranchise individuals and increase bigotry.

Absolutely! Besides what does it matter if the Illegals arn't counted in the census?
Legally they can not vote! Therefore need no representation in Congress what so ever!
If they are represented in every county in these United Stated, It will allow for an unfair balance of electoral representatives! { the census count is how the electoral representatives are determined}.

It would be funny if half the people in the U.S. were not even citizens, and that their was not really something called Americans because the whole country is based on fraud!

The Census is fraud!