US Census

Hi everyone. I don't know where to post this question, but I was just reading about the U.S. census taking place. As expats are we totally off the roster? This is kind of depressing, to be American and not even be counted. I've been here nearly six years...

No, unless you're affiliated with the federal government. 

21. Do we count Americans living abroad?

Yes, in some cases. The 2010 Census counts will include federal employees (military and civilian) and their dependents living overseas with them that can be assigned to a home state. These overseas counts are used solely for reapportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

These data are provided to the Census Bureau by the employing federal departments and agencies through their administrative records. However, private U.S. citizens living abroad who are not affiliated with the federal government (either as employees or their dependents) will not be included in the overseas counts. These overseas counts are used solely for reapportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I found the answer here:  http://2010.census.gov/partners/pdf/SandL_ConstituentFAQ.pdf

Question 21 on Page 5.

It does make sense, when you think about it.  The point of the census isn't to count citizens, it's to count residents.  That's why it includes immigrants, including undocumented persons.  You're still a citizen, but you're not going to be using public facilities and utilities, so they don't need to figure you into that equation.

If it makes you feel better, remember that you can still vote by absentee ballot.  That's where you count, because you are a citizen.

My mother is working for the US Census at one of their data capture centers now. It's a really amazing process to get this thing done.

Ya, I knew that. It's cool... maybe someone will count me here in Britain for something.

Ya, I knew that. It's cool... maybe someone will count me here in Britain for something.

The next UK Census is in 2011, so if you're here next year, you'll be counted at that point.

The last time we moved from UK --> US we moved in between the two censuses (censi?) in any case we moved in 2000 AFTER the US census but BEFORE the UK census.  Which meant we ceased to be counted for a decade

I saw something on TV about how they were trying to get illegal aliens to make sure they filled out the census docs. They assured them that they would not get in trouble by filling it out as they needed to be counted.

I saw something on TV about how they were trying to get illegal aliens to make sure they filled out the census docs. They assured them that they would not get in trouble by filling it out as they needed to be counted.

This is true. It's really important that as accurate a count as possible happens. The personal information taken during a Census is extremely confidential. It is NOT released to any governemnt department or agency. AT ALL. What the Census people do is release statistics (i.e. how many immigrants, how many people in a town/city/village), stats about employement, etc. But things like names and anything attached to your name is confidential for 72 years. The security where my Mom works is unreal regarding who they hire, what is allowed in the offices, etc.

Also, for those of you into geneology, you can only get the personal info from the 1930 Census and earlier. On 1 April 2012 the 1940 Census details will become available.

The next UK Census is in 2011, so if you're here next year, you'll be counted at that point.

Unless you happen to be on holiday out of the country on the specific date - it's all about where people are on a specific night, so you even have to include anyone just staying over for the night!

Unless you happen to be on holiday out of the country on the specific date - it's all about where people are on a specific night, so you even have to include anyone just staying over for the night!

Cool...I think I'll let my daughter have a huge sleepover that night so it looks like I have 22 children.   

Unless you happen to be on holiday out of the country on the specific date - it's all about where people are on a specific night, so you even have to include anyone just staying over for the night!

Yes - my great grandfather was a ship's captain, and in the 1891 and the 1901 census I noted that he wasn't included on his household enumeration, but his ship had a schedule as it was in port in Scotland in 1891, and in port somewhere in England in 1901 so I found him anyway.