Taxation → Deportation Without Representation

If you are an undocumented immigrant in the United States and you are working, the law requires you to file taxes. This is one of the most bizarre juxtapositions in our nation’s legal framework. “You should not be in the U.S.,” BUT if you are here and working, you are required to file your income taxes. While our government has consistently encouraged undocumented individuals to file their taxes and have promoted it through proposed bipartisan legislation, the current administration is now doing an about-face. The IRS is making a deal with the Department of Homeland Security to share sensitive data that will allow the government to move forward on deportation proceedings against hard-working, law-abiding, taxpaying individuals.

Immigrants file their taxes because they have been told time and again that doing so will help to establish their presence in the United States and demonstrate good moral character. They are doing so to meet their lawful obligations, not to shirk them. Not only do undocumented immigrants file their taxes because it is the legal obligation, but they have also been encouraged to do so through legislation like the “Gang of Eight” bill S.744 that was co-sponsored by current Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The bill encouraged the payment of back taxes as evidence of good moral character for qualifying. Now, instead of paying taxes being a good faith effort, they are being set up for failure.

Undocumented immigrants play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, not only through their labor but also through substantial tax contributions that support public services and government programs. In 2023, households led by undocumented immigrants paid $89.8B in total taxes. This includes $33.9B in state and local taxes and $55.8B in federal taxes. Not only that, but undocumented immigrants also make up an important and necessary part of our workforce. In 2023, approximately 4.9% of the U.S. workforce was undocumented; 89.4% of the undocumented population are of working age.

The importance of undocumented immigrants filing taxes is underscored by the fact that despite contributing to the funds that support public services and government programs, they cannot draw from them. They are not eligible for social security retirement benefits or health insurance through Medicare, while contributing billions of dollars to fund these benefits. They also do not qualify for the federal earned income tax credit (EITC), which helps families with lower incomes get a tax break. Does having less money paid into Social Security, Medicare, and similar programs seem like a good idea to you right now? Sure doesn’t to me.

Still not convinced? If you are a U.S. citizen, your sensitive tax data could also be compromised by this short-sighted policy. The damaging possibilities of DHS having access to your taxpayer information are endless. If you agree that weaponizing taxpayer information is wrongheaded and will make our country less prosperous and safe you should be calling, emailing and writing your elected representatives demanding that they speak out against it!