Fact check: How many undocumented immigrants received social security cards?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses reveal a complex picture regarding undocumented immigrants and Social Security Numbers (SSNs). More than 2 million undocumented immigrants were assigned Social Security Numbers in fiscal year 2024 alone ^[1]. However, the sources make a crucial distinction between receiving SSNs and receiving Social Security benefits or cards.

The data shows that undocumented immigrants contributed approximately $25-26 billion to Social Security taxes in 2022 ^{[2] [3]}, yet they will never be eligible for the benefits of the program ^[3]. Some undocumented immigrants work using fake Social Security numbers or ones they may have had before their work permits lapsed ^[2], but they are not eligible to receive Social Security benefits if they are not lawfully in the US ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the distinction between different types of Social Security documentation and benefits:

• SSN assignment vs. benefit eligibility: The sources clarify that receiving an SSN does not automatically grant access to Social Security benefits ^[1]
• Legal framework: The Social Security Administration issues SSNs to U.S. citizens and some non-citizens who meet specific requirements ^[3], while eligibility criteria exist for noncitizens to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits ^[4]
• Economic impact perspective: Undocumented immigrants are net contributors to the Social Security system, paying billions in taxes while being ineligible for benefits ^{[2] [3]}

Political stakeholders who would benefit from emphasizing different aspects of this data include:

• Immigration restrictionists who might focus on the 2+ million SSN assignments to argue against undocumented immigration
• Immigration advocates who would highlight the $25+ billion in contributions without benefit eligibility to demonstrate economic value
• Social Security reform proponents who could use this data to discuss system sustainability

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains potential for misinterpretation by conflating different concepts:

• Terminology confusion: The question asks about "social security cards" but doesn't distinguish between SSN assignment, physical card issuance, and benefit eligibility
• Implicit assumptions: The phrasing may suggest that undocumented immigrants are receiving Social Security benefits, when the evidence shows they contribute to the system but cannot receive benefits ^[3]
• Missing scope: The question doesn't specify timeframe, geographic scope, or distinguish between different immigration statuses

The framing could inadvertently promote misconceptions about undocumented immigrants receiving government benefits, when the data actually shows they are significant contributors to a system from which they cannot benefit.