[MarkL]

There is nothing illegal about the practice, Bank of America said. But critics say a major bank should not be helping people who violate immigration laws.

Maybe someone can help me out here... I was under the assumption that when you opened an account at a bank, you had to give a SSN by LAW. I know that when I opened an account, I had to present both a drivers license AND a second form of ID, along with my SSN. I was told that it was part of anti-money laundering laws AND "Homeland Security." So, how does that square with BoA allowing illegal immigrants to open accounts?

And isn't what BoA doing known as "money laundering?" I was under the impression that's what you call a financial institution taking money that's known to be earned illegally.

Mark

[2ndDivisionVet]

See #39

[PoplarBluffian]

I’m wondering about this, too. I work for a bank and I can assure you we need a social # or passport, visa # for all new customers. We also are required to check their names on the OFAC list. I don’t understand this at all, but there must be a loop hole somewhere. I hope someone can give us an answer.