http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/137088.aspx

IRS: Here Illegally? We Still Want Your $
April 13, 2007

CBNNews.com - WASHINGTON - Illegal immigrants dashing across the border is a familiar piece of video tape.

Illegal immigrants filing IRS tax returns is not.

Although they're here illegally, the IRS is looking the other way when they file their tax returns.

"There is no bleeding over of information from the IRS to the Department of Homeland Security," said IRS Commissioner Mark Everson. "We want your money whether you are here illegally or not and whether you earned it legally or not."

So how does this happen exactly?

It turns out that, if you're an illegal immigrant, you don't need a social security number to file a tax return.

Ten years ago, the IRS created a nine digit individual tax identification number. It was meant for foreigners who work in the United States who don't have social security numbers.

But it's now being used more and more by illegal immigrants.

"The IRS is an enabler of illegal immigration because it's helping illegal immigrants put down roots here," said Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies.

Those nine digit IDs also allow illegal immigrants to apply for credit cards, get bank accounts, or buy a home. As for paying taxes, those who do it say they want to build a lawful life in America and paying their taxes is a start.

They hope a good track record with the IRS will eventually help them get legal citizenship.

Critics aren't buying it.

"If an illegal immigrant wants to do the right thing, then his job is to go," said Krikorian.

But it's the IRS's job to collect money -no matter where it comes from.

Critics are left scratching their heads, lamenting how the government let's this slide when they should be tracking down and deporting illegal immigrants, not aiding their cause.