Congressman Pushes to Close Tax Loophole for Undocumented Workers

U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8th) demanded that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner explain the justification for a tax loophole, which allows persons not authorized to work in the United States to collect the Additional Child Tax Credit, including for children who do not live in the United States.

"The Child Tax Credit benefits tens of thousands of middle-class working families here in Bucks County," said Fitzpatrick in a release. "I have written to Secretary Geithner demanding an explanation for allowing continued abuse of this loophole by illegal workers and how he intends to remedy it."

In the letter, Fitzpatrick writes:

“At a time when this Administration is advocating for raising taxes, it is frustrating to learn that billions of dollars could be saved by simply closing a loophole in the tax code that allows illegal immigrants to take advantage of a tax credit meant to assist hardworking American families with multiple dependents.  Indeed, Inspector General George Russell has stated that refundable tax credits were never intended for illegal immigrants, and especially not for individuals who do not live in the United States.  With each fraudulent payment, our own government cheats the American taxpayer, as well as those who come to our country through the proper, legal channels to seek legitimate work and opportunity."

"Congressman Fitzpatrick has also signed on as a cosponsor to H.R. 1956, the Refundable Child Tax Credit Eligibility Verification Reform Act.  This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to require taxpayers to provide their social security number on their tax return in order to claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit.”