Fact Check: Are Immigrants Getting Social Security?

by
write a news article on “Fact Check: Are Immigrants Getting Social Security?" it should look like written by intermediate level writer with simple English vocabulary. don't follow ai pattern write like a human and unique plagiarism free. Write smaller sentences to increase readability. Be as in detail as possible in minimum of 500 words. Write day or date of this news in first paragraph if you can find that.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden engaged in their first head-to-head presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle in Atlanta on June 27. The debate covered various topics crucial to the American electorate, including immigration and Social Security.

During the debate, Trump claimed that Biden was “destroying” Social Security due to high immigration numbers. Specifically, he stated, “Social Security, he’s destroying it because millions of people are pouring into our country, and they’re putting them onto Social Security.” However, Trump did not specify whether he referred to migrants living in the U.S. legally or illegally.

Are Immigrants Getting Social Security?
Are Immigrants Getting Social Security?

Let’s fact-check this claim:

  1. Eligibility for Social Security Benefits:
    • Lawfully Present Noncitizens: Noncitizens who are lawfully present in the United States and meet all eligibility requirements can qualify for Social Security benefits. This rule also applies to noncitizens authorized to work in the U.S. and who obtained a Social Security number after December 2003.
    • Immigrants Living in the U.S. Legally: They can qualify for Social Security retirement benefits if they accumulate enough work credits by obtaining a Social Security number and paying Social Security taxes.
    • Immigrants Living in the Country Illegally: They are not eligible for Social Security retirement benefits.
    • Exception: Those who entered the U.S. illegally before receiving temporary permission to stay may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if they meet specific criteria.
  2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Noncitizens:
    • SSI eligibility requirements differ from those for Social Security benefits. Noncitizens may qualify for SSI if they fall into certain classifications granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These include being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, granted conditional entry, paroled into the U.S., admitted as a refugee, or granted asylum.

In summary, immigrants living in the country illegally do not receive Social Security retirement benefits. However, those who entered the U.S. illegally before receiving temporary permission to stay may be eligible for SSI benefits. It’s essential to understand the distinctions between these programs to ensure accurate information reaches the public.

Leave a Comment