The federal government has approved a new policy that allows immigration officials to access some taxpayer records to help enforce deportation orders. Specifically, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) can now request information from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to locate immigrants who were told to leave the country but haven’t done so after 90 days.
This is a major change. For years, the IRS kept taxpayer information private—even for undocumented immigrants who used an ITIN to file taxes. That protection helped build trust and allowed many immigrants to show they were contributing to their communities. Now, with this new agreement, that trust may be at risk.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we understand how serious this is. These changes could impact thousands of families across Connecticut—especially those who are trying to follow the rules and stay on a path to legal status. Our goal is to help you understand how this new policy works, what it could mean for you, and what legal options are available if you’re concerned about immigration enforcement.
A Fundamental Change in How Immigration Is Enforced
Under federal law, the IRS is required to keep taxpayer information confidential, with only limited exceptions for criminal investigations. Until now, immigration enforcement did not qualify for that level of access. But the new agreement allows ICE to request taxpayer data—such as addresses, filing history, and employment records—for individuals who have been flagged as noncompliant with final removal orders.
Although the administration claims this will only apply to individuals suspected of criminal conduct, the language of the agreement allows for wide discretion. This means many immigrants who have paid taxes in good faith—using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)—may now face heightened risk if they fall into one of ICE’s enforcement categories.
What Is a Final Order of Removal?
A final order of removal is a legal directive from an immigration judge that requires a person to leave the United States. These orders are often issued after a denied asylum claim, overstayed visa, or a missed court date. Once final, the government can act to remove the person from the country.
If the person does not depart voluntarily within 90 days, ICE may treat them as a priority for enforcement. The new agreement allows ICE to use IRS data to find individuals in this situation—especially if there is a suspicion of criminal activity, even for nonviolent or decades-old offenses.
What Does This Mean for Undocumented Taxpayers?
Connecticut has thousands of undocumented residents who file taxes every year using ITINs. These individuals contribute to the economy and often see tax compliance as a way to demonstrate responsibility and good moral character. Many are supporting U.S. citizen children, saving for the future, or waiting on immigration relief.
This agreement may now make those same people feel unsafe filing taxes—despite doing everything they were told was right. The message this sends is that even when undocumented immigrants follow the rules, their good faith efforts can be used against them.
At our firm, we have seen how undocumented clients rely on their tax filing history to support green card applications, cancellation of removal claims, and adjustment of status petitions. The risk of that information now being shared with ICE undermines years of trust and public policy that aimed to bring immigrants out of the shadows.
Privacy and Due Process Concerns
This change introduces a serious threat to privacy. By linking tax enforcement to immigration enforcement, the government is effectively expanding its reach into areas previously protected from immigration scrutiny. And it’s doing so without guaranteeing affected individuals access to legal protections or due process.
Concerns include:
– Use of personal and financial data without notice
– Lack of oversight or court review before information is shared
– Potential for errors, misidentification, or targeting of individuals who are not enforcement priorities
– Increased fear in immigrant communities, leading to fewer people reporting income, seeking help, or trusting institutions
This move could also undermine ongoing immigration cases. If ICE locates someone using IRS data, they may move forward with detention or removal before that person can finish pursuing legal options such as reopening their case, applying for a waiver, or requesting asylum.
How Immigrants in Connecticut Should Prepare
If you are undocumented and concerned about how this new agreement could impact you or a loved one, there are several steps you can take now:
– Consult with an experienced immigration attorney to find out if you may have a final order of removal or other enforcement risks.
– Review your tax filings to understand what information may be accessible.
– Keep updated contact information and copies of all immigration documents in one place.
– Avoid ignoring court notices or government letters, even if you are afraid. Delaying action often makes situations worse.
– Know your rights during encounters with ICE, including the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we take these concerns seriously. For more than two decades, we’ve helped Connecticut’s immigrant families understand their rights and build legal strategies for staying safe, stable, and informed—especially during periods of policy change and increased enforcement.
How Our Firm Can Help You
We offer legal services in:
– Final orders of removal
– Immigration enforcement and detention defense
– Motions to reopen or reconsider immigration court decisions
– Tax-related immigration filings (ITIN-based evidence)
– Family-based petitions and waivers
– Emergency response for ICE arrests or detainers
With offices in Danbury, Waterbury, Hartford, Bridgeport, and Norwalk, we serve immigrant communities across Connecticut. We speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese and are committed to delivering personalized legal support that reflects the unique needs of every client.
Don’t Wait—Get Trusted Legal Help Today
The decision by the IRS and ICE to share taxpayer information is a clear reminder that immigration enforcement is evolving—and that even past steps taken in good faith can now carry risk. If you are worried about how this may affect you, the time to act is now.
Call The Law Offices of James A. Welcome at (203) 753-7300 to schedule a confidential consultation.
You can also visit us at www.welcomelawfirm.com to learn more about your rights and our services.
Protecting your future starts with being informed—and having the right legal team by your side. We’re here to help.