What Happens If You Lie On The Census?

The 2020 Census has been making headlines a lot lately...what with the government wanting a question added asking about citizenship.

However, as NBC News points out, Federal law only requires that the secretary of commerce take a census of "population", not just citizens. 

So what would happen if you lied on the Census? 

Federal law says any person who doesn't answer questions can be fined $100 and $500 for anyone who willfully lies or gives false information. 

Since the Census is mailed to addresses, not individuals, the people in the household should be protected. 

Additionally, NBC News points out that Census answers cannot be "used to the detriment of the persons to whom such information relates."