Innovating Inclusion: A New Wave of State Activism to Include Immigrants in Social Safety Nets

This report explores the growing trend among states to end the exclusion of Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) tax filers, most of whom are undocumented workers, from receiving state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). The author points out that almost three-quarters of undocumented workers are classified as “essential,” and they make up a disproportionate share of workers whose sectors have been hit the hardest in the COVID-19 crisis, yet they are denied access to the safety net services available to U.S. citizens. In 2015 alone, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)-filers paid $23.6 billion in taxes. In order to recognize their contributions to the overall economy, states are taking steps to rectify the problem. The article reviews the status of legislation, either passed or pending, in states around the country. The author also gives examples and data sources that show the benefits of the EITC, including improved educational outcomes, higher college enrollment rates, increased workforce participation and the stimulation of local economies As more states adopt measures such as the EITC, the author notes that it will become clearer that including all residents in recovery efforts is vital towards any state’s anti-poverty initiatives. (Stephanie Depauw for The Immigrant Learning Center’s Public Education Institute)

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