Does getting the EITC or Child Tax Credit cause problems for immigrant workers?
The EITC and Child Tax Credit do not create “public charge” problems for immigrant workers. Receiving these credits is not considered an indication that the immigrant is unable to support him- or herself financially. In general, information on a tax return is confidential. The IRS cannot share individual tax return information with other government agencies, including the USCIS. There are exceptions in cases involving federal criminal or terrorism investigations or when the IRS thinks someone is breaking a tax law. For more information about which immigrant workers qualify for the EITC, how to obtain Social Security numbers and other immigrant tax issues, call the National Immigration Law Center at (213) 639-3900.
