U.S. Agency Data-Sharing Raises Deportation Risk for Unauthorized Work
Immigrants in the U.S. face increased deportation risks due to expanded data-sharing between immigration enforcement agencies and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Reporting income from freelance or side jobs—when holding visas tied to a specific employer, like H-1B visas or student visas—now raises flags. This shift in enforcement has led to visa extensions being denied, barriers to reentry, removal proceedings, and even deportation.
IRS-ICE Data Sharing May Undermine Tax Compliance
An agreement between IRS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) allows sharing of selected tax records, including W-2s, 1099s, and ITIN-related filings. Although intended primarily for investigating identity fraud or document falsification, enforcement officials may also reference this data in immigration cases, raising concern among immigration advocates.
Immigrants Withhold Taxes Amid Enforcement Fears
Reports indicate immigrant communities are filing fewer tax returns, fearing misuse of IRS data in immigration enforcement. This drop in compliance could result in significant losses in tax revenue and wider economic consequences.
