Fact check: What are the requirements for undocumented immigrants to obtain social security numbers under the Biden Administration?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, there is limited direct information about specific requirements for undocumented immigrants to obtain Social Security numbers under the Biden Administration. However, several key facts emerge:

• General SSN eligibility remains restrictive: Only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can typically obtain a Social Security Number ^[1].
• Significant increase in SSN assignments: The Biden Administration oversaw a sharp increase in the number of immigrants given Social Security Numbers, with more than 2 million illegal aliens assigned SSNs in fiscal year 2024 alone ^[2].
• Financial contributions without benefits: Undocumented immigrants must pay into Social Security and Medicare programs but do not receive these benefits, and their presence actually improves the finances of both entitlement programs ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important contextual elements missing from the original question:

• Trump Administration policies: The previous administration implemented a Presidential Memorandum specifically aimed at preventing illegal aliens from obtaining Social Security Act benefits ^{[4] [2]}, providing important policy contrast.
• Economic impact perspective: There's a significant economic dimension where undocumented immigrants contribute more to Social Security than they receive in benefits ^[4], suggesting that restricting access may have financial implications for the program.
• Distinction between SSNs and benefits: The analyses highlight that obtaining a Social Security Number is different from receiving Social Security benefits, with undocumented immigrants potentially accessing the former while being excluded from the latter.

Political stakeholders who might benefit from different narratives include:

• Immigration restrictionists who benefit from emphasizing unauthorized access to government programs
• Pro-immigration advocates who benefit from highlighting economic contributions of undocumented workers

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain explicit misinformation, but it may carry implicit assumptions:

• The question assumes there are specific "requirements" for undocumented immigrants to obtain SSNs under the Biden Administration, when the analyses suggest the fundamental legal framework remains that only work-authorized individuals should receive SSNs ^[1].
• The framing may imply policy changes specific to the Biden Administration without acknowledging that the dramatic increase in SSN assignments ^[2] could reflect broader immigration patterns rather than changed eligibility requirements.
• The question doesn't distinguish between legitimate pathways (such as asylum seekers or those with pending cases who may receive work authorization) and truly undocumented individuals, which could lead to confusion about legal versus unauthorized access to SSNs.