Trump seeks to revoke immigrants’ Social Security numbers | Reuters
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Former President Donald Trump’s administration unveils controversial immigration plan to revoke Social Security numbers of certain immigrants. Learn how this impacts immigration policy in 2025.
Trump’s Immigration Strategy: Revoking Social Security Numbers
In a bold move that reignites the immigration debate, the Trump administration is seeking to deactivate Social Security numbers of certain immigrants. The plan is aimed at pressuring those without legal status to voluntarily leave the United States.
This controversial approach involves listing affected immigrants as deceased in federal records, effectively rendering their Social Security numbers useless for both public benefits and private financial transactions.
How the Plan Works
An unnamed official told Reuters that the Social Security Administration’s “death master list” would be used to label some immigrants as deceased. This database is typically reserved for identifying individuals who have passed away and should no longer receive Social Security benefits.
Key details:
- The plan targets immigrants who were admitted under the Biden administration but have had their temporary legal status revoked.
- These individuals would be listed as “dead,” disabling their Social Security numbers.
- This move would block access to key services like:
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Government benefits
The intent, according to officials, is to remove financial incentives for undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S.
White House Statement and Media Coverage
Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston stated, “President Trump promised mass deportations. By removing the monetary incentive for illegal aliens to come and stay, we will encourage them to self-deport.”
The New York Times first reported the story, citing internal documents and sources familiar with the plan. The report noted that over 6,300 individuals, including convicted criminals and suspected terrorists, have already been added to this so-called “blacklist.”
Data Sharing Among Government Agencies
This Social Security plan is not an isolated move. Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Treasury Department, and IRS signed an agreement to share taxpayer data with immigration authorities.
This agreement:
- Aims to locate and monitor undocumented immigrants
- Has led to the resignation of top IRS officials, including the acting commissioner
Fines and Property Seizures for Undocumented Migrants
In a separate but related effort, the Trump administration plans to impose daily fines of up to $998 on immigrants who have been ordered to leave the country but fail to do so. If fines go unpaid, their property may be seized.
A Broader Push to Limit Immigration
President Trump’s immigration agenda continues to rely on strict enforcement and controversial data use. From banning travel from certain countries to deploying border troops, his policies consistently aim to reduce the number of immigrants in the U.S.
This latest plan signals a shift toward economic and administrative tools—not just border control—as a means of enforcing immigration law.
Criticism and Legal Questions
Immigration advocates have expressed concerns over the legality and ethics of:
- Misclassifying living individuals as deceased
- Sharing sensitive tax data without clear oversight
- Imposing harsh financial penalties on vulnerable migrants
Civil rights groups are likely to challenge the plan in court, arguing it violates due process and could harm people who were previously granted legal protection.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Immigration in 2025?
As the 2024 election results continue to shape policy, Trump’s immigration plan marks a new chapter in the ongoing national debate. Whether this strategy will be implemented or blocked remains to be seen, but it has already stirred strong reactions across political lines.
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