The Trump administration is actively considering an executive order that would require banks to collect citizenship information from customers, according to senior White House officials. The proposal, described as “in process” by Deputy Assistant to the President Andrew Bessent, would mark a significant expansion of government access to financial data for immigration enforcement purposes.
While details remain unclear, sources familiar with the discussions say the order would likely direct Treasury Department regulators to implement new reporting requirements. This follows previous administration efforts to leverage financial institutions for immigration enforcement, including 2019 proposals to screen remittance payments.
Civil liberties groups immediately raised concerns. “This would create a financial surveillance system targeting immigrant communities,” said ACLU senior policy analyst Jay Stanley. Banking industry representatives expressed operational worries, with one trade association official noting: “Banks aren’t equipped to verify immigration status – we’re not border agents.”
Administration officials argue the measure would help identify undocumented individuals using fraudulent Social Security numbers. However, three congressional staffers from both parties questioned whether such an order could survive legal challenges, citing potential violations of privacy laws.