“The Senate’s bipartisan passage of a comprehensive immigration reform bill is an historic vote that sends a clear message to the House – no more excuses — it’s time to fix our broken immigration system and create a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented residents. 

We agree with both the Congressional Budget Office and the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration (SSA) that comprehensive immigration reform is good for all Americans. The new members of the national family brought in by this bill will contribute to the growth of the economy and at the same time will help strengthen Social Security. While the National Committee supports this legislation, we are disappointed that it includes a provision that will place restrictions on the ability of immigrants to receive credit for all of their earnings for the purpose of determining their eligibility to Social Security benefits.

The inclusion of the modified Hatch-Rubio amendment in the final bill undermines Social Security’s promise of earned benefits by denying lawfully present immigrants the value earned by the payroll taxes they paid on their earnings between 2004 and 2014, creating a second class of citizens when naturalization is granted. In addition, this amendment robs work-authorized immigrants of credit for disability and survivor benefits that families depend on if the breadwinner loses the ability to provide support due to death or disability. We are particularly concerned about what would happen to surviving children when – through no fault of their own – they lose benefits under this provision. The Hatch-Rubio amendment is just plain wrong. As immigration reform continues to move through the legislation process, we will work to remove this amendment.”  Max Richtman, NCPSSM President/CEO

View our viewpoint: Immigration Reform, Not a Threat to Social Security

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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff.  The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.

 

Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org