This bill matters because it fundamentally changes who is eligible to receive crucial benefits that many Americans rely on. Currently, some non-citizens who have lived and worked in the U.S. for years and paid taxes into systems like Social Security are eligible for certain benefits. If this bill passes, their eligibility would be completely removed, regardless of their contributions.
The bill also aims to improve how government agencies track changes in immigration and work status, which could impact how benefits are processed and help prevent fraud. Voters should care because it could affect the lives of millions of non-citizen residents, and it reflects a significant policy shift regarding who the country's social safety net is intended to cover. It would mean that even if someone has legally contributed to Social Security and other programs, they would not be able to collect benefits unless they are a U.S. citizen or national.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) within 180 days of any change in an individual's citizenship, immigration, or work authorization status if they have a Social Security number.
This provision aims to improve inter-agency data sharing and ensure the SSA has up-to-date information on benefit recipients' eligibility.
PROVISION 02
An individual must be a citizen or national of the United States to receive benefits under the Social Security Act.
This is a significant change that would restrict eligibility for a broad range of federal benefits, including retirement, disability, Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI, to only U.S. citizens and nationals.
PROVISION 03
DHS and SSA must submit a joint annual report to Congress detailing the number of status notifications, average notification times, challenges, and the effectiveness of notifications in preventing fraud.
This provision ensures transparency and accountability regarding the new data-sharing requirements and their impact.
PROVISION 04
The restriction of benefits to citizens/nationals applies to old-age, survivors, and disability insurance (OASDI), Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and assistance under State programs funded under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act.
This clarifies the wide scope of benefits that would be affected by the new citizenship requirement, impacting healthcare and income support for non-citizens.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it fundamentally changes who is eligible to receive crucial benefits that many Americans rely on. Currently, some non-citizens who have lived and worked in the U.S. for years and paid taxes into systems like Social Security are eligible for certain benefits. If this bill passes, their eligibility would be completely removed, regardless of their contributions.
The bill also aims to improve how government agencies track changes in immigration and work status, which could impact how benefits are processed and help prevent fraud. Voters should care because it could affect the lives of millions of non-citizen residents, and it reflects a significant policy shift regarding who the country's social safety net is intended to cover. It would mean that even if someone has legally contributed to Social Security and other programs, they would not be able to collect benefits unless they are a U.S. citizen or national.
KEY PROVISIONS
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med
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) within 180 days of any change in an individual's citizenship, immigration, or work authorization status if they have a Social Security number.
This provision aims to improve inter-agency data sharing and ensure the SSA has up-to-date information on benefit recipients' eligibility.
high
An individual must be a citizen or national of the United States to receive benefits under the Social Security Act.
This is a significant change that would restrict eligibility for a broad range of federal benefits, including retirement, disability, Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI, to only U.S. citizens and nationals.
med
DHS and SSA must submit a joint annual report to Congress detailing the number of status notifications, average notification times, challenges, and the effectiveness of notifications in preventing fraud.
This provision ensures transparency and accountability regarding the new data-sharing requirements and their impact.
high
The restriction of benefits to citizens/nationals applies to old-age, survivors, and disability insurance (OASDI), Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and assistance under State programs funded under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act.
This clarifies the wide scope of benefits that would be affected by the new citizenship requirement, impacting healthcare and income support for non-citizens.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall notify the Commissioner of Social Security not later than 180 days after there is a change to an individual's citizenship status, status under the immigration laws, or work authorization status.
Beginning one year after the date of enactment, and annually thereafter
The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Social Security shall jointly submit an annual report to Congress.
GLOSSARY
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Social Security Act
A foundational federal law that created Social Security, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent children and public health. It forms the basis for many U.S. social welfare programs.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
A U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including border security, immigration, customs, and emergency management.
Commissioner of Social Security
The head of the Social Security Administration, responsible for overseeing the agency's operations.
Social Security Account Number
A unique nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens and eligible residents by the Social Security Administration, primarily used for tracking earnings and benefits.
Citizenship status
An individual's legal standing as a citizen of a particular country, which can grant rights and responsibilities.
Immigration laws
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 24, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 24, 25
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
