McHenry bill would prevent illegal immigrants from getting tax credit

9:49 a.m. ET July 5, 2017


U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry(Photo: Courtesy U.S. House)

A congressman representing part of Western North Carolina re-introduced a bill Friday that would prevent illegal immigrants from receiving the earned income tax credit.
10th District U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-Lincoln) introduced the bill, called the "No Free Rides Act", with Texas Republican Jodey Arrington.

"More must be done to ensure illegal immigrants who received Social Security Numbers from the previous Administration do not receive benefits intended for American families,” McHenry said in a statement.

"The No Free Rides Act is an important step towards accomplishing this goal. It blocks all illegal immigrants from receiving the EITC, a benefit designed for American families who most need the assistance."

Under current tax law, non-residents can only receive the earned income tax credit if they are married to a resident or citizen and are filing jointly with their spouse. Both must also have valid Social Security numbers.

Illegal immigrants may also qualify for resident status if they have been in the country long enough. They must be in the country at least 579 whole days in a three-year period, with certain numbers of days required for each year.

In the statement, McHenry cited a 2015 article in The Weekly Standard, a conservative opinion magazine, as supporting evidence for the bill.

McHenry introduced a bill with the same name in 2015 that would do the same thing as the current bill.

The current bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

http://www.citizen-times.com/story/n...dit/444422001/