Contrary to popular belief, many illegal immigrants in the U.S. pay federal taxes — through what’s called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN. But new tax rules effective this month mean some changes for taxpayers using those numbers.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Demographics
Immigration Lawyers: Thinking Small Can Also Help Generate Reform
Reform advocates are hoping for comprehensive changes to immigration policies, as President Obama has promised, but short of that, there are still plenty of ways to fix existing policies and arcane laws, they say.
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Demographics
Fear of Violence Still Hurting Cross-Border Tourism
Officials on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border have reported a decrease in holiday season tourism, likely due to the persistent threat of Mexican drug violence. But Mexico’s new president hopes to do something about that.
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State Government
Dewhurst: Set Money Aside for School Lawsuits
In a wide-ranging interview, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst talked about the state budget, education, immigration, water, transportation, and his hopes and plans for the legislative session that began this week.
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Demographics
Report: $18 Billion Spent on Federal Immigration Enforcement
A new report estimates that the federal government spent $18 billion on immigration enforcement efforts in fiscal year 2012, about 24 percent more than it spent on all major law enforcement agencies combined.
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Demographics
Security Policy Shift in Mexico is Seen as Push to Reaffirm Sovereignty
A former U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent says that a new security policy announced in Mexico signals a growing focus on sovereignty and a shift from some initiatives considered priorities by the United States.
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Demographics
In Mexico, a New Plan Targeting Drug Violence
New President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico recently announced a plan targeting violence in the country. As the country and analysts wait to see results, some aren’t placing bets that the situation will improve soon.
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Demographics
State Records Shed Light on Texas’ Early “Illegals”
Mexican immigrants are apprehended every day on the Texas-Mexico border. But as Jerry Patterson, the Texas land commissioner, likes to remind fellow Republicans, the shoe used to be on the other foot.
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Demographics
Mexico’s New Political Regime Sparks Human Rights Activism in Texas
Weeks after Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto’s inauguration, a group of activists in Texas is organizing a new effort they say will serve as a watchdog to monitor Mexico’s treatment of its citizens.
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Demographics
Decision Nears on Coal Project in Border Town
Plans for a coal mine in Eagle Pass took a step forward last month and could get final approval in January. But opponents of the proposal, who say the project raises serious health concerns, say they haven’t given up the fight.