Cities like Denver and New York City, known for their sanctuary policies, have recently become hotspots for illegal immigrants looking to purchase fraudulent social security cards. This increase in fraudulent activities signals not only a rise in identity fraud against Americans but also showcases how these illegally obtained documents are used to secure employment in violation of U.S. law. Understanding the depth and implications of this issue is crucial for both policy makers and the general public.
What’s Happening in Sanctuary Cities?
In the bustling streets of Queens, New York City, criminals with connections to notorious gangs like MS-13 and the 18th Street gang are now providing illegal immigrants with fraudulent social security cards. It’s alarming to learn that these violent groups offer a “one-stop shop” for illegal aliens, some of whom they might have helped smuggle into the U.S. Since 2022, nearly 180,000 illegal aliens have entered NYC, underlining the magnitude of this problem.
Denver’s scenario is slightly different but equally concerning. Here, migrants can purchase both a basic social security card and a green card for $100-$150. More sophisticated cards that pass E-Verify – suggesting they’re real numbers stolen from Americans – fetch around $900. Unlike in New York, Denver authorities believe the sellers aren’t connected to organized crime rings but are rather a small number of individuals conducting these illegal activities.
Why is This a Major Concern?
These fraudulent documents are essentially a workaround for illegal aliens to bypass laws prohibiting their employment in the U.S. Notably, those applying for asylum are eligible for work permits. However, to deter asylum fraud, the law restricts such individuals from receiving their work permits until at least 180 days after filing an application.
Roy Fenoff, an associate professor at the Department of Criminal Justice at the South Carolina Citadel, expressed his concerns: “There are people getting these cards that are not here just to get a job, that they have other intentions, and this helps them carry out criminal activity.”
Children, who rarely use their social security numbers for employment or credit, become prime targets for identity theft as a result. Undetected identity thefts can continue for years, causing untold damage to these young individuals’ future financial health.
The Lack of Government Intervention
Disturbingly, the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration have been rather passive in addressing the use of fraudulent social security cards. Historically, during the second term of the Obama Administration, an investigation by the Immigration Reform Law Institute uncovered 39 million instances from 2012 to 2016 where names and social security numbers on W-2 tax forms didn’t match legitimate social security records. Despite these alarming figures, governmental bodies have ceased notifying employers about such discrepancies and have relaxed the enforcement of laws prohibiting the employment of illegal aliens. This inaction not only fuels the black market for these fraudulent documents but also leaves Americans to bear the consequences.
What Can Be Done?
Tackling this growing issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Enhanced Surveillance and Enforcement: Local and federal authorities must increase efforts to crack down on the illegal sale and distribution of fraudulent social security cards.
- Public Awareness and Education: Educating employers and the general public about the risks and signs of fraudulent identity documents is key to prevention.
Stronger Penalties: Implementing harsher penalties for those caught manufacturing or distributing fraudulent identification documents could serve as a deterrent.
Supporting Victims of Identity Theft: Providing resources and support for individuals whose identities have been stolen or misused is crucial for recovery.
For more information on the lawful process of obtaining work permits and social security numbers, the official U.S. Social Security Administration website offers comprehensive guidance and resources.
The challenges posed by the sale of fraudulent social security cards in sanctuary cities like Denver and New York City highlight a critical need for enhanced measures to protect the integrity of American identity documents and ensure the well-being of all residents, both legal and illegal.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Sanctuary cities like Denver and New York City face a surge in illegal immigrants buying fake social security cards, aiding employment law violations. Criminals and individual sellers are behind this illicit market. Government inaction exacerbates the issue, risking identity theft for unsuspecting individuals. Public awareness, enforcement, and support for victims are crucial for combatting this growing problem.
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