McHenry Introduces No Free Rides Act

Press Release

Today, Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (NC-10), along with original cosponsor Jodey Arrington (TX-19), introduced H.R. 3090, the No Free Rides Act. H.R. 3090 would prohibit illegal aliens who received Social Security Numbers through former President Barack Obama's deferred prosecution of illegal immigrants from qualifying for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Under President Obama's executive actions, illegal immigrants who qualify for the program are eligible to receive Social Security Numbers. With Social Security Numbers these illegal immigrants could then qualify for the EITC if they met certain criteria.

"President Trump ran on the promise of reducing illegal immigration and securing our borders. While significant gains have been achieved on both fronts, more must be done to ensure illegal immigrants who received Social Security Numbers from the previous Administration do not receive benefits intended for American families," said Chief Deputy Whip McHenry. "The No Free Rides Act is an important step towards accomplishing this goal. It blocks all illegal immigrants from receiving the EITC, a benefit designed for American families who most need the assistance."

"When middle and working class families in America are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table, and our nation is running trillions of dollars in debt, it's outrageous that our federal government will reward those who enter our country illegally with thousands of dollars in benefits," said Congressman Arrington. "This bill closes an Obama-era loophole that could cost us billions of dollars. It puts Americans first and helps restore Rule of Law."

Background: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) reduces the payroll and income tax burdens of low and moderate income families via either lower rates or a tax refund. Historically, citizenship or legal status did not play a factor in determining eligibility because only individuals with a Social Security Number would be eligible to qualify for the EITC. However, President Obama's November 2014 executive action on immigration allows illegal immigrants who qualify for deferred prosecution to receive Social Security Numbers and work permits.

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