By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The IRS is nearing a deal with DHS to aid in locating undocumented migrants, involving ICE providing names and addresses to the IRS for verification. This agreement, a narrower version of an earlier proposal, would represent a significant change in IRS policy, requiring high-level DHS approval for each request. The IRS would confirm addresses, not proactively provide data to ICE, though this still raises privacy concerns given the strict confidentiality rules surrounding taxpayer information. This development follows a lawsuit from immigrant rights groups challenging the legality of such information sharing.
Read the original article here
The potential agreement between the IRS and ICE to share taxpayer data to locate undocumented immigrants is a deeply troubling development. The core promise that tax information would remain confidential and not be used for immigration enforcement has been a critical factor in encouraging millions of undocumented individuals to file taxes, generating billions of dollars in revenue for the government. Breaking this trust will likely result in a significant decrease in tax revenue, undermining the very system it’s intended to support. This action directly contradicts the initial claim that the administration would focus on targeting criminals first; instead, it appears that individuals who are actively participating in the tax system are being targeted for easier apprehension, highlighting a disregard for the principle of good faith engagement.
This move is incredibly shortsighted and potentially devastating to the integrity of both the IRS and the overall tax system. The IRS must remain a politically neutral entity, and allowing its data to be used for political persecution—in this case, targeting a specific demographic—will erode public trust and lead to widespread non-compliance. The consequences could be far-reaching, undermining the fairness and effectiveness of the tax system as a whole. Such a precedent opens the door to using tax information for all sorts of political agendas, jeopardizing privacy rights and creating a climate of fear and distrust.
The argument that undocumented immigrants who pay social security taxes without collecting benefits represent a net positive for the system is a flawed, albeit realistic one. It does not justify violating the privacy of individuals who are actively contributing to society, even if unintentionally. This situation only underscores the fundamental flaws in our immigration system, rather than justifying using tax data as a tool for enforcement. The focus should be on reforming these systems, not punishing individuals for trying to navigate them.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for widespread misidentification. The methods used to identify undocumented immigrants based on tax data are likely to ensnare many U.S. citizens who share similar characteristics. This highlights a reckless disregard for accuracy and due process, potentially resulting in widespread harm and injustice. The lack of precision and the potential for collateral damage are serious flaws in this approach, far outweighing any perceived benefits.
The notion that this action serves to undermine social security and sow distrust in the tax system is particularly concerning. It reinforces a cynical perspective that sees the government as actively working against the interests of its citizens. This lack of trust, once broken, is difficult if not impossible to repair, ultimately weakening the social contract between the government and the people. The potential for misidentification, coupled with the inherent distrust this action breeds, casts a long shadow on the future of the tax system.
Many have rightfully pointed out that this approach ignores the most effective way to deal with illegal hiring: holding employers accountable. By concentrating efforts on individuals who are actively participating in the tax system, the administration is sidestepping the responsibility of tackling illegal hiring practices among businesses. This approach suggests a selective targeting of vulnerable populations rather than a serious effort to tackle the root causes of undocumented labor.
The fact that undocumented immigrants pay taxes, often under assumed identities or through other legal loopholes such as obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), highlights a fundamental contradiction. If they are paying taxes, it suggests they are already contributing to society, making their deportation all the more illogical. This approach appears to be a form of political theater aimed at appealing to a specific voter base rather than addressing any real issue. It is likely to be deeply unpopular amongst various groups, including people who might initially support the underlying ideology. It is unlikely this plan will be successful in the long run.
Ultimately, the proposed data sharing agreement represents a significant breach of trust, a potentially harmful blow to the integrity of the IRS, and a reckless disregard for the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations. The focus should remain on comprehensive immigration reform and effective enforcement strategies that prioritize justice, due process, and respect for individual rights. Punishing law-abiding individuals for their attempt to contribute to society is not only unjust but also fundamentally counterproductive.