Illegal immigrants steal identities to get jobs

By JENNIE RODRIGUEZ

November 26, 2006

Record Staff Writer

STOCKTON - Ruben, a roofer living in Stockton, knew using a Social Security number that didn't belong to him was against the law.

He knew using it was a gamble that could get him deported to Mexico. And, if that happened, it could mean he might never be allowed to return.

It was a risk he was willing to take two years ago, as he worked in the United States illegally under an alias.

"Because they asked me for a Social Security number at work or they wouldn't pay me," said Ruben, speaking on the condition that his last name not be revealed. (Ruben is now a legal U.S. resident).

When most people think of identity fraud, checkbooks and credit cards come to mind. But a Social Security number or a birth certificate are equally, if not more, valuable to someone not able to work legally in the United States.

There are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. San Joaquin County is home to about 42,000 migrant workers, legal and illegal.

Undocumented workers find identities in different ways. Some by drawing Social Security numbers out of the air.

Some by borrowing identities from family members or friends. Some by buying forged documents on the streets or from coyotes - people smugglers.

The identities they adopt sometimes are those of actual people; others are complete fabrications.