Donald Trump is pursuing aggressive policies during his second term that target foreign nationals who legally reside in the U.S. One of the most controversial moves involves canceling the Social Security numbers of immigrants. This is aimed at making it difficult for them to work or access banking, essentially forcing them to leave the country. Reports indicate that the Social Security Administration (SSA) plans to incorrectly list thousands of living immigrants as deceased, a drastic action that underscores the administration’s hardline stance.
The SSA, at the request of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has already classified around 6,000 immigrants, mostly from Latino backgrounds, as dead. This action raises significant concerns about accuracy and fairness, as many individuals might be affected incorrectly. Leland Dudek, the SSA’s acting commissioner, remarked that these immigrants’ “financial lives” would be effectively terminated.
Recent reports have revealed that this “death master file” strategy is not the only troubling collaboration between the SSA and Trump’s administration. The SSA has also agreed to share the last-known addresses of nearly 100,000 people with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the administration claims these individuals are linked to terrorism or serious crimes, evidence suggests that a vast majority do not have criminal records. A significant portion of those deported to a controversial prison in El Salvador had no documented offenses, and instances of wrongful deportation have been acknowledged.
As the SSA ramps up its efforts to rescind benefits and credentials, experts warn that administrative errors are likely to increase. The recent resignations of several IRS officials highlight the broader implications of using government data in this manner. The IRS is reported to be leveraging tax documents to help identify immigrants for deportation, illustrating a shift in how federal agencies operate in this contentious environment.
The involvement of tech magnate Elon Musk in these operations raises further alarms. His organization is gaining access to sensitive governmental data, using it for AI analysis. Critics note that Musk has publicly disparaged Social Security and perpetuated misconceptions regarding immigrants receiving benefits, fueling harmful narratives.
It’s worth noting that the Enumeration Beyond Entry program, initiated under Trump in 2017, allowed work-authorized immigrants to obtain Social Security numbers without visiting an SSA office. However, this initiative has been partially frozen, requiring many immigrants to navigate physical SSA locations, which have faced staffing cuts.
On a broader scale, Musk’s initiative, known as DOGE, seems to extend beyond immigrants. Reports suggest that personal data on millions of Americans might be collected, potentially violating privacy laws established to protect citizens from government overreach. This alarming reality raises questions about the future of privacy in America and the potential for data misuse by those in power.
These developments indicate a troubling trend where legitimate individuals, regardless of their immigration status, may be unfairly affected. The SSA’s actions diverge sharply from its original purpose of safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and disabled, from poverty. The situation continues to evolve, driving discussions in both the public and legal arenas about accountability and human rights.
Check out this related article: Stock Futures Slide Amid Rising Tariff Fears: Stay Updated on the Market’s Latest Moves!
Source linkDOGE,Donald Trump,Elon Musk,Homeland Security,Immigration,IRS,Social Security
