Recent claims circulating on social media and various news outlets have alleged that President Joe Biden is extending Social Security benefits to undocumented immigrants, a contentious issue sparking widespread debate. However, an investigation into these assertions reveals a different reality.
The Social Security system in the United States operates on funds generated through payroll taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). These funds primarily support retired workers, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers. Eligibility for these benefits typically requires individuals to accumulate sufficient “credits” by paying FICA taxes through legal employment.
Key to understanding the controversy is the fact that undocumented immigrants, lacking legal authorization to work in the U.S. and valid Social Security numbers, do not contribute to the system as legal workers do. Consequently, they are not eligible for Social Security benefits under current laws.
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Since assuming office, President Biden’s administration has indeed introduced reforms to immigration policies, focusing particularly on initiatives like temporary protected status (TPS) and pathways to citizenship for specific groups such as “Dreamers,” individuals brought to the U.S. as children. Despite these efforts, none of these policies extend Social Security benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Clarifications from the Social Security Administration (SSA) underscore that undocumented immigrants do not meet the eligibility criteria for Social Security benefits due to their legal status and inability to contribute through payroll taxes.
Misinformation may arise from misconceptions about what benefits undocumented immigrants can access. While emergency medical care under Medicaid and benefits for their U.S.-born children (who are citizens) are accessible, Social Security benefits remain exclusive to U.S. citizens and certain legal residents fulfilling specific work requirements.
Fact-checking organizations like PolitiFact and Snopes have debunked claims suggesting alterations to Social Security eligibility under the Biden administration. SSA representatives emphasize that the eligibility criteria for these benefits remain unchanged.
In conclusion, claims that President Biden is placing undocumented immigrants on Social Security are unsubstantiated. The administration has not implemented policies that would alter the longstanding eligibility requirements for these benefits. Understanding the intricacies of immigration and social welfare policies is crucial to combatting misinformation and promoting informed public discourse.
