GOP bill blocks illegal immigrants’ access to child tax credit

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) has introduced legislation to prevent illegal immigrants from claiming a tax credit meant for low-income people with children.

Westmoreland’s measure would require tax filers to provide Social Security numbers in order to qualify for the Additional Child Tax credit (ACTC). Currently, illegal immigrants can use individual tax identification numbers to apply for the credit when filing tax returns.

{mosads}”With so many families struggling with the recovering economy and the burden of our tax code, it’s time we provide solutions that give American families relief while upholding the integrity of the law,” Westmoreland said in a statement.

The bill is part of a trend amid tax filing season of Republicans offering measures to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing tax credits. 

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) introduced a bill last week titled the “No Free Rides Act” to ensure illegal immigrants cannot qualify for the earned income tax credit, another tax break meant for low-income families.