Last week, House Republicans announced they would offer a measure to extend the payroll tax cut without restricting the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) for taxpayers who file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), including many immigrant families. This is an important credit that prevents about 2.3 million people, including 1.3 million children, from dropping below the poverty line on an annual basis. For a low-income family, receipt of this credit can mean the difference between paying utility bills and facing a harsh winter without heat. Many families use the extra income to cover their basic necessities.
Over the past few weeks, LIRS, Lutheran leaders and vocal constituents fought this measure by writing letters to their members of Congress urging them preserve immigrant eligibility for the ACTC. A group of young children lobbied Senator Baucus, the Chairman of the Senate’s Finance Committee, on February 9. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of advocacy groups and vocal constituents like you, the ACTC will remain available to low-income immigrant families.
Unfortunately, since the child tax credit “offset” continues to be vulnerable as a cost-cutting measure, Congress many consider this proposal again. Therefore, Lutheran leaders and constituents must remain vigilant on this issue and remember that the child tax credit continues to be vulnerable as a cost-cutting measure. However, this recent victory would not have been taken place without the voices of constituents like you. Visit the LIRS Action Center for more opportunities to demonstrate to Congress and other lawmakers the importance of welcome.