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Editor's note: This piece was originally published in the Indianapolis Star.

Most Americans get it: We cant continue to reward people who come to our country illegally, while those who work hard and play by the rules struggle to get ahead. What our tax and immigration policies need is a return to common sense.

Take our tax credit system. Right now, billions of dollars in refundabletax credits are being paid out to illegal immigrants. Thats because of a loophole in the Child Tax Credit program that allows this benefit to be claimed without a Social Security Number.

The cost of this broken policy has fallen squarely on the shoulders of the people its designed to help hardworking American families. And the numbers are astounding.

AU.S. Treasury Inspector Generalreportestimated that up to $7.1 billion was being paid out each year to illegal immigrants and individuals illegally claiming children through the Child Tax Credit.For context, thats equivalent to the State of Indianas entire annual budget for K-12 education.

Whats worse, alocal TV news investigationin Indiana found that illegal immigrants were claiming the credit for children and other relatives who didnt even live in the United States, sometimes claiming up to 10 or 12 dependents at a time.

A U.S. Treasury Inspector General report estimated that up to $7.1 billion was being paid out each year to illegal immigrants and individuals illegally claiming children through the Child Tax Credit.

The Child Tax Credit is supposed to provide low- and middle-income Americans relief up to $1,000 per child to help support their families. But instead, billions in tax dollars are flying out the door, running up our debt and padding the pockets of those who game the system.

To close this senseless loophole and protect U.S. taxpayers, I filed legislation that would require individuals to have a Social Security Number that is valid for employment before they can claim the Child Tax Credit. This idea has gained the support of President Trump, and he included my proposal in his budget request to Congress.

But closing the Child Tax Credit loophole is just the start. There are countless other examples of broken and backwards policy at the federal level that have real-world consequences for Americans.

Passing broad tax and immigration reform in our country to fix these issues is long overdue, and Washington must deliver.

With President Trumps leadership, Congress is working toward comprehensive tax reform that eliminates wasteful loopholes, cuts taxes for everyday Americans, and restores our countrys competitiveness.

No less of a priority is taking action to build a wall, secure the border and pass meaningful immigration reform. Its time for policies that reward law-abiding citizens and help our economy grow.

This work has already begun. The House of Representatives recently passed legislation to combat sanctuary city policies that shield criminal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement, as well as legislation to strengthen penalties for deported felons who return to our shores.

With a return to common sense, we can steer our country back to the rule of law and finally address illegal immigration in the United States.

Rep. Luke Messer serves as Congressman for Indiana's 6th Congressional District.

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Tax reform and immigration policy - time for a return to common sense - Fox News