Taxation without representation was a term coined by the American colonists in the 1500 and 1600’s. The British imposed many taxes on the colonies even though the colonies had no type of representation in the parliament nor through voting. This issue caused many of the American colonies to revolt against the British; hence, why we are the United States of America and not a British colony. Seeing as “taxation without representation” was a big deal for the colonist and the founding fathers, it is surprising to see the repetitiveness of this issue in today’s American political system.
Currently in the United States, undocumented immigrants and permanent residents pay taxes to the state and federal government; however, they are not allowed to vote in local, state, nor federal elections. Undocumented immigrants pay about $11.6 billion dollars in taxes every year. Although they do not have social security numbers, they go about the process through a Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). About 50 percent of undocumented immigrant households file taxes using a ITIN. Those filing their taxes through the ITIN process, are not given the same benefits as others. They are not entitled to Social Security benefits nor Earned Income Tax Credits. An analysis done by the Social Security Administration reports, “From 1996 to 2003, undocumented workers paid a combined $90 billion into both Social Security and Medicare.” A report from the Heritage foundation states that, “In 2010, the average undocumented immigrant household received around $24,721 in government services and benefits, while paying $10,334 in taxes.” For those countering that undocumented immigrants don’t contribute to the lives of American citizens that is simply not true. These immigrants are already paying funds to help support public schools and road infrastructure. Although the U.S. Constitution states that undocumented immigrants cannot vote in federal elections, voting requirements for local elections are up to the state. There is no reason why a bill has not passed in our “progressive” states, like California and New York, to allow undocumented immigrants to vote in local elections. It is the local elections that affect them the most because even though they are undocumented, they still work, attend schools, and part-take in our society. If our politics does not allow these tax-paying undocumented immigrants to vote, why are we taking their money?
Although permanent residents have their legal documents to reside in the United States, they are not allowed to vote. Permanent residents contribute to our society in the same ways that undocumented immigrants do. These immigrants pay sales, property, and income taxes to our state and federal governments. Permanent residents are also very active in our armed forces, yet they do not have a say in our propositions nor in who becomes an elected official. Non-citizen voting is not a new idea. In the beginning of our country’s history, non-citizen voting was not unusual. It was the anti-immigrant sentiment, after World War I, hat allowed for the abandonment of non-citizen voting. In fact, even today there are jurisdictions that allow for non-citizen voting for local elections. In Maryland, there are six jurisdictions that allow non-citizen to vote. In Massachusetts, four towns have moved to allow non-citizen voting and are currently waiting for state approval. New York City is drafting legislation that would allow 1.3 million non-citizen voters to be a part of municipal elections. Seeing as many cities, jurisdictions, and towns have adopted the idea of non-citizen voting, it is time larger, more immigrant populated, jurisdictions take on the same task. If these permanent residents partake in our armed forces and pay taxes to our government, why shouldn’t they be allowed to have a voice in their local governments?
For our country to be created based on the basis of taxation with representation, it is unsatisfying to see our government tax people it does not acknowledge nor want. For those who say these immigrants should stay in their countries, don’t accept their money, don’t ask for taxes, do not take their ideas, and don’t profit off of their struggle. It is time we stop the exploitation of law abiding, tax paying, civically engaged undocumented immigrants and permanent residents.
