06/05/2012
The Pulse: AILA's Capitol Beat
Twice in the last six months we've asked you to take action to oppose proposals that would prevent taxpayers who use the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from receiving the Child Tax Credit. And twice, we've won--important victories for hardworking immigrant families. But, unfortunately, it’s time to take action again to protect this important anti-poverty program.
Senators Marco Rubio (R–FL) and David Vitter (R–LA) have both introduced legislation to try to deny the Child Tax Credit for millions of American children whose parents use an ITIN to pay their taxes. The Child Tax Credit plays a crucial role in keeping millions of children and their families out of poverty.
In 2010, the average household income for ITIN filers claiming the additional child tax credit refunds was $21,240, less than half of the 2010 median household income in the United States. It is expected that these same families will lose, on average, $1,800 of much-needed tax credits if this proposal passes, forcing these immigrant parents to cut back on essential items for their children. Help these children and families by opposing any change in eligibility.
ITIN taxpayers are legally eligible for the Child Tax Credit if they work, earn low wages, and support children in their homes. These Senate proposals would make it illegal for them to claim the Child Tax Credit, even for their U.S. citizen children. The Senators claim they are doing this to reduce fraud, but their proposals do nothing to prevent fraud and instead simply sweep away the credit for up to 5.5 million children.
Tell your Senators to oppose any changes in eligibility for the Child Tax Credit. Children in low-income families should not be a source of revenue or a target for controversial immigration policy changes.
Thanks for all you do,
Greg Chen
Director of Advocacy
