While many groups and organizations are working to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the U.S., Bank of America has decided that their own bottom-line is more important than the law, and has made it even easier for those who are here illegally.

By offering credit cards to persons without social security numbers or credit histories, Bank of America is making it even more convenient for people to come to the U.S. via illegal means and is failing to adhere to laws and standards that apply to U.S. citizens and legal residents.

If one were to go online and apply for a checking account from Bank of America, which is the only prerequisite for getting their credit card without a social security number or any credit history, one would be asked if they:

• Are a U.S. citizen
• Are a U.S. citizen with dual citizenship
• Are a permanent resident alien with a green card and social security number
• Are none of the above

Picking the last option, “none of the above”, elicits a response, which in summary states: “you can’t be an illegal immigrant to apply for a checking account online, but if you come into a branch we’ll help you out.”

("At this time, only the applicants listed above can apply online. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. You can apply for an account at a local Bank of America banking center near you.")

Once you have your checking account set up, you only need to have it for three months and not bounce any checks before Bank of America would be glad to help you extend your purchasing power.

CapitolWatch believes that programs such as this are a detriment to the policies regarding immigration into the U.S. and undermine the time commitments and hard work of those who have immigrated here legally and actually EARNED their right to be here.

We urge our members to contact Bank of America and to share this story with others in an effort to reverse this program and stop the process of rewarding those who have broken the law.