09/08/2025
Did you know that deporting undocumented immigrants actually also impact our social security?
Yes, many undocumented immigrants contribute to the U.S. Social Security system through payroll taxes, even though they are generally ineligible to collect the benefits themselves. This happens through several methods:
How undocumented immigrants pay Social Security taxes
Using fraudulent or borrowed Social Security numbers (SSNs): Unauthorized workers often secure jobs using an SSN that is either fake or belongs to someone else. In these cases, their employers withhold F**A payroll taxes, just as they would for any other employee.
Using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): For those who are self-employed or file taxes independently, the IRS issues an ITIN. This allows them to pay federal taxes, including the portion that funds Social Security and Medicare, without a valid SSN.
Using an expired work authorization: Some undocumented immigrants may have obtained a valid SSN through a temporary visa, such as a work permit, but remained in the U.S. after their visa expired. Employers continue to withhold payroll taxes from their paychecks.
The effect on Social Security's finances
Because undocumented immigrants pay into the system but cannot collect benefits, their contributions positively impact the program's financial status.
Net contribution: The Social Security Administration's own actuaries have confirmed that unauthorized workers are net contributors to the system, meaning they pay more in taxes than they collect in benefits.
Substantial revenue: In 2022, undocumented immigrants contributed an estimated $25.7 billion in Social Security payroll taxes.
Benefit fund solvency: This influx of tax revenue, which is never claimed, helps to improve the solvency of the Social Security trust fund.
Eligibility for benefits
An undocumented immigrant is not eligible to receive Social Security benefits unless they legalize their status and received their SSN for work purposes.
If an undocumented person eventually obtains legal work authorization, all their previously paid Social Security taxes can count toward qualifying for benefits. However, a person who never obtains work authorization is ineligible to claim benefits, even after having paid taxes into the system for years.
