Border Czar Tom Homan says a data-sharing partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is critical to stopping illegal aliens from stealing Americans’ Social Security numbers.
Reports have emerged that the IRS is finalizing an agreement with ICE to begin sharing tax data on illegal aliens who are priorities for deportation from the United States. Homan, in an interview on Wednesday, emphasized that the agreement is necessary to combat illegal immigration and protect Americans from identity theft.
“Illegal aliens use Americans’ Social Security numbers … identity theft,” Homan said. “We’re looking to protect Social Security. We’re looking out to protect United States citizens’ identity and their benefits from Social Security.”
He explained that many illegal aliens fraudulently use Social Security numbers belonging to U.S. citizens, leading to significant financial and legal issues for victims. “Even my own family, one of my closest relatives had his ID stolen, his Social Security number stolen,” Homan said. “We’re going to look out for the American people. We’re going to protect Social Security.”
Homan said he “hope[s]” the IRS follows through with the agreement and provides ICE with the necessary data.
Despite the severity of the issue, little research has been conducted on the impact of illegal immigration on identity theft. A comprehensive investigation by the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI) found nearly 39 million cases of stolen identities and Social Security numbers by illegal aliens between 2012 and 2016.
ICE raids have uncovered widespread fraud, with illegal aliens using stolen Social Security numbers to gain employment. In some cases, they initially apply for jobs without documentation, then later return to employers with stolen credentials.
