Should Illegal Aliens Qualify for Credit Cards?
Illegal Aliens Might Soon Qualify for Credit Cards
Many of us have credit cards and we enjoy the freedoms they provide. However not everyone living in the U.S. has been entitled to credit card privileges. Obviously, having a bad credit rating can make it difficult to qualify for a credit card, but there is a whole different group of individuals living in the U.S. that also has a hard time finding credit card access.
The Move Bank of America Has Made
Recently making headlines was the fact that Bank of America is launching a pilot program to that allows illegal aliens, who obviously don’t have social security numbers, to apply for credit cards. Depending on how well received the program is during this trial period, this could become the norm.
Criticism of this experimental program is harsh. Opponents claim that it supports illegal immigration. There is some concern that giving credit cards to illegal aliens might also contribute to the growing problem of identity theft.
It’s a Hot-Button Topic
There is no arguing that the availability of credit cards to illegal aliens has many individuals upset -- particularly those who believe our nation needs stricter immigration laws.
Ultimately, many consumers are concerned about how their credit card interest rates and other benefits will be affected if the default rate for illegal aliens is high. It’s possible that an illegal immigrant who is granted a credit card might later be deported, making it difficult for the credit card company to collect on that debt. If that’s the case, why should legal U.S. citizens have to pay a penalty if illegal immigrants don’t pay their credit card bills?
The Law Is the Law
Regardless of where you stand on the illegal immigration issue, the fact of the matter is this – illegal immigration is just that (illegal). Extending credit card offers to those who are knowingly breaking the law isn’t exactly ethical.
Yes, immigrants should be afforded the same privileges as the rest of us, but those rights do not extend to those who immigrate illegally. If citizens end up paying higher interest rates because of this plan, tensions are going to escalate and more hard feelings are going to come into play. Credit cards are a privilege -- not an inalienable right.