"Illegal Immigrant Credit Card" sparks backlash

One thing illegal immigrants to the USA traditionally find hard to get is a Visa. Now, thanks to the Bank of America they may be able to get one. Not in the form of a work Visa but in the form of a credit card. The new scheme has turned into a PR nightmare for the bank which has been receiving angry callers and letters of complaint. On Friday, a San Diego radio talk show hosted by former San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock announced a "credit-card shredding" party in Serra Mesa to shred Bank of America cards in protest.

Another group to protest in anger about the new credit card is the National Illegal Immigration Boycott Coalition. The group argues for tougher border controls in the US and is asking people to cancel their accounts and sign a petition at www.bankofamericaboycott.com.

"We want people to cancel their business with Bank of America and contact Congress," William Gheen, president of Raleigh-based Americans for Legal Immigration PAC, said Friday.

The bank has spent most of the last week trying to limit any damage done. They state that the offer is an extension of a trial and will only be available in 51 banks around Los Angeles and is not specifically aimed at illegal immigrants. Customers must first hold an account with Bank of America for at least three months before they may apply for a credit card.

Bank of America said the program will help undocumented workers build good credit while opponents fear it will help people who violate immigration law and fear that those who apply for credit cards may use them to fun illegal activities or launder illegal funds.

Bank of America will pilot the scheme for some time and may roll it out nationwide later this year. The bank recognizes the need to tap into the large Hispanic market in order to expand. Credit card use among Hispanics is experiencing a sharp rise is on the rise and with that comes increased debt.