Illegals granted Social Security
The Senate voted yesterday to allow illegal aliens to collect Social Security benefits based on past illegal employment — even if the job was obtained through forged or stolen documents.
Sen. John Ensign (R, Nev.)
“There was a felony they were committing, and now they can’t be prosecuted. That sounds like amnesty to me,” said Sen. John Ensign, the Nevada Republican who offered the amendment yesterday to strip out those provisions of the immigration reform bill. “It just boggles the mind how people could be against this amendment.”
The Ensign amendment was defeated on a 50-49 vote.
“We all know that millions of undocumented immigrants pay Social Security and Medicare taxes for years and sometimes decades while they work to contribute to our economy,” said Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican.
“The Ensign amendment would undermine the work of these people by preventing lawfully present immigrant workers from claiming Social Security benefits that they earned before they were authorized to work in our community,” he said. “If this amendment were enacted, the nest egg that these immigrants have worked hard for would be taken from them and their families.”
Mr. Ensign was among 44 Republicans and five Democrats who voted to block such payouts.
“It makes no sense to reward millions of illegal immigrants for criminal behavior while our Social Security system is already in crisis,” said Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican. “Why in the world would we endorse this criminal activity with federal benefits? The Senate missed a big opportunity to improve this bill, and I doubt American seniors will be pleased with the result.”
Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont Democrat, said it would be unfair to deny illegals the benefits.
“We should not steal their funds or empty their Social Security accounts,” he said. “That is not fair. It does not reward their hard work or their financial contributions. It violates the trust that underlies the Social Security Trust Fund.”
Within hours, the vote had become an issue in this fall’s elections, raised by a Republican challenger to Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Michigan Democrat.
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Illegals granted Social Security
washingtontimes.com
9 Comments on “Illegals granted Social Security”
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NPI Impact August 2010
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Maybe we also let the drug dealers keep there millions they worked for also.
As we remember our Nation’s veterans today, I cannot believe that this absurdity is even being considered. My father, as well as all the brave men and women who fought in WWII and other wars, did not risk life and limb to have this country degenerate to the point where illegals are being rewarded for being–illegal. No wonder they are border hopping at record rates. All the “goodies” lie just over that ridiculous fence that’s supposed to protect our country from these lawbreakers.
My father did not live long enough to see the mess the country he fought so hard for degenerate into this pre-3rd world entity. I can only imagine what he would say if he were still with us.
I can’t believe this - This is crazy. I believe reform is in order. I came here on a passport and then became a citizen it cost about 4000 and I worked before I became a citizen with the knowledge that until I became a citizen the benefits do not belong to me. I believe there should be an option where any illegal immigrants can file to become a citizen pay the same as I did and then go into the system. They would have to go through two criminal checks as I did over a period of time. After this process then they should allowed to stay and enter the system. There is a reason America has a screening process to protect the immigrants who want to come here and be a beneficial member of society from the others.
This is offensive on so many levels! I’ve been a victim of identity theft and it took me a year to straighten it all out. DEPORT THEM, DON’T REWARD THEM!
One more thing — my mother died at the age of 54, working most of her adult life. She paid in over $200k to social security and because she had no minor dependents at the time of her death, she got squat, nada, zilch. Well, actually we got a whopping $255. towards funeral expenses. So, social security is forced savings, and the gov’t hopes you die before you collect. Yet illegals who cheat, lie and steal are given social security benefits by AMERICAN ELECTED OFFICIALS?!? Vote any bum out of office who voted for this bill and any other pro illegal bills! Find your elected officials at: http://www.vote-smart.org If you vote for a Democrat, then expect more of this kind of thing happening! There has never been a more partisan Congress that I can recall….
It would not cost us any more dollars to use our military to ‘train’ at the boarder. Food, fuel, amunition - everything is being paid for now - just do their ‘training’ while guarding the boarder.
We should treat all people with respect and kindness. Take care of there human needs but SS should not be available to non citizens.
How are “we” stealing what they paid into when they paid into it “illegally?” And how are they paying into it when they are paid under the table? Get to the polls and vote these lunatics out of office! ALL OF THEM!
Learn how to read! Illegals (who by definition also include those who are lawfully admitted to reside in the US) work and pay taxes, receive no public benefit (yes, I know this hurts, but do your research and see, there is a loophole for those over 65 which I agree is WRONG!) and then after a period of five years be able to apply for citizenship. This law allows them to receive Social Security for the work that they performed while in their “illegal” status. If they NEVER become citizens, the money that has been paid for Social Security and Medicare don’t EVER go to them PERIOD
April if your mother paid $200K into Social Security, she would have made $3.25 million dollars in her adult working life. Social Security accounts for 6.2% of wages earned, and Medicare 1.45% of wages earned.