How can i use an ITIN?

Hello All,
so I'm an undocumented 22 year old. I don't have an ITIN yet but I'm thinking about getting one. I was just scared i might get caught trying to use it so i never got one. However, once i do get one, what can i do with it? I'm a 22 year old college student and i live on my own. My parents are back home in India so they don't file any taxes. Would i get a good refund since i pay for pretty much everything out of my pocket? Also, can i open a bank account on it and get a credit card to start building credit or no? What are some other benefits of having an ITIN?

Hey, There is absolutely no reason to be afraid of applying for an ITIN. The ITIN one and only one purpose, to pay taxes. The IRS wants you to pay taxes..therefore if you're thinking you'll be reported to immigration, you need to stop worrying. Also, if there is any sort of legalization in near future, you will need to show proof of your paid taxes..so its good to get an ITIN. You can also open the bank account with ITIN. Regarding building credit, I'm not sure..I would think not. Maybe someone else can comment on that. I would tell your parents to think about getting an ITIN and they can start paying their taxes and back taxes as well.

I had my ITIN for 5 years now and you can pay taxes, open a bank account, open a business, get credit cards and all kinds of things with it. For most financial and legal stuff it works like a social security number.

Thanks for sharing this information.

It works as long as you contribute money to the capitalist system.

You can't use it for College, SATs, or anything else.
You can use it for: Banks, Credit Cards, Some investments, and TAXES

Thank You to all who replied. I'm going to apply for an ITIN today.

when you are going to become a citizen, they say you need to prove you paid taxes, but what if i have never had a job?

really im 19 and i have never worked.
well i did over the summer for like once a week and i think the most i made was $200-300, and that was it.

I'm in that same position as well.

so its ok for us to work illegally but pay taxes on our income legally? and what happens when dream act or immigration reform is passed and they find out you haven't paid any taxes?

yes it is ok, lol, aslong as they get $$
if they(IRS) finds out you havent payed taxes, you have to pay extra.

now idk how they fnd out if you worked, or if u used a fake SSN(do they allow pardons?)

oh but if your parents have payed taxes, you are good

my mom pays taxes, but as to how much she puts as income idk

its all confusing =/