http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/ne ... p?ID=17406

Bank Likely to End Illegal Immigrant Loan Program

Inside INdiana Business Report

3/30/2006 10:19:46 AM
The Northwest Indiana Times is reporting that Bank Calumet will likely end a home loan program for illegal immigrants when Illinois-based First Midwest Bancorp Inc. takes control Saturday.

Bank Calumet started an ITIN mortgage program last year as part of an initiative to target the growing Hispanic population, but First Midwest has a policy against ITIN mortgages. The program allows borrowers to use their individual taxpayer identification number in place of a Social Security number for identification.

Bank Calumet had set aside $1 million for its ITIN program, but only one loan has been made. The program prompted protests at Bank Calumet branches in Hammond and Munster, and a protest last week in Munster ended with protestors fighting with supporters of the program.