NILC Urges Senate to Block Effort to Punish Kids

WASHINGTON — The Senate has scheduled a vote on an amendment by Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, that would disqualify immigrant children in low-wage working families that pay income and payroll taxes from claiming the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC). The National Immigration Law Center (NILC), along with the AFL-CIO, Church World Service, First Focus Campaign for Children, National Council of La Raza, the Coalition on Human Needs, and more than 100 other groups sent a letter to the Senate yesterday opposing artificial restrictions on the CTC. The following is a statement by Marielena Hincapié, NILC’s executive director:

“The Ayotte amendment is the latest in a series of attempts by Senate conservatives to restrict the Child Tax Credit under the guise of responding to isolated cases of fraud. While the integrity of any system must be maintained, punishing children and their taxpaying families who participate in a highly effective child anti-poverty program is not the answer. Another senator has reminded us that if additional revenue is needed, there are plenty of corporate tax loopholes that could be closed easily and effectively.

“Let’s call this what it is: a cynical and shameful attempt by immigration restrictionists to prevent many otherwise-eligible taxpaying immigrants — mostly Latino — from claiming the credit. The needs of children in poverty should never be pitted against those of another category of people who require support, such as veterans seeking restoration of retirement benefits.

“By rejecting this immoral proposal, the Senate can prove it is above political pandering that targets kids.”

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