Idenity Theft

“Camber Lybbert thought it was a mistake when her bank told her that her daughter’s social Security number was on its files for two credit cards and tow auto loans with an outstanding balance of more than $25,000. Her daughter is three years old.” (1). Identity theft has been present in America’s justice system for over the last couple of decades. When one generally hears about identity theft they picture selfish con artists, seeking fortune and rewards at the expense of others. Many of us do not see how identity theft has multiple roles, also helping illegal immigrants to be able to acquire work in the US. In recent years, illegal immigrants have been purchasing Social Security numbers as a way to literally buy their way into America. It is common for illegal immigrants to purchase fraudulent social security numbers as a way to provide for their family, to own a car and obtain employment. This hunger to provide for ones family has pushed immigrants from Mexico and around the world to use any means possible to acquire residence in the US.
The use of illegal activity to provide for ones family has not been uncommon with past immigrants. During the 1940’s, a wave of Irish immigration occurred in the United States. Many of the Irish immigrants were forced out of their homeland due to the Potato Famine and the hunger, disease, and famish that came with the great starvation in Ireland. When the Irish arrived in America, they were not received with welcome arms. Many of the Irish received resentment and hatred from US citizens. Laws were set up to try and force the Irish out of the US by any means possible. Many of the Irish were forced to change their names to be able to obtain a work to provide for themselves and their family.
Although the Irish exercised different routes of how to provide for themselves in America, the need to do so illegally is still present in the US today. Immigrants will use any means possible to live in America, even if this means they must do so outside of the law.
(1) http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/04/us/04theft.html?ex=1315022400&en=0c1efb3b17f7bf7e&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
(2) http://www.2.ops.org/NORTH/curriculum/socstudies/EthnicB2/past/Irish.htm