by KYW's John McDevitt
Many undocumented immigrants can't get a bank account, and that sometimes makes them a target for robbery or theft. And the crimes are often not reported to authorities because the illegal immigrant fears getting deported.
Most banks require Social Security numbers and other identification to open up an account. And if you are not documented, that's a problem.
"And you are not going to get a legitimate Social Security number unless somewhere along the line Immigration has recognized that you are a person who should be working, because you have been issued a work visa or are in the process of getting a green card."
Thomas Griffin is an immigration lawyer in the firm of Morley Surin and Griffin, in the Old City section of Philadelphia.
"I just have a lot of personal experience that every single bank wants a Social Security number."
And that makes illegal immigrants especially vulnerable to crime:
"I think it's widespread knowledge, especially among those who prey on the vulnerable in society, that people who appear to be unlawful -- not documented -- keep their money, in cash, at home. So on the street, they are easy prey."
This man from South America -- who is documented -- was robbed of his backpack twice.
"We are being targeted. In some cases there are a lot of Latinos who can't open a checking account. So they (robbers) think, 'Maybe this person (is) carrying money.' Not in my case (laughs) -- I don't have any."
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