Fact check: What is the process for undocumented immigrants to obtain a social security number?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, undocumented immigrants cannot legally obtain a Social Security number. The process for obtaining an SSN requires lawful presence and work authorization in the United States ^[1]. Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN ^[1].

For those who are legally eligible, the standard process involves:

• Applying through the U.S. Department of State before entering the U.S. or through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while in the U.S. ^[1]
• Providing necessary documents including proof of identity, work-authorized immigration status, and age ^[1]
• The application process is free ^[1]

However, significant changes occurred in March 2025. As of March 19, 2025, the SSA has paused automatic SSN issuance for many immigrant applicants, including those receiving new work permits and newly naturalized citizens, who must now apply in person at SSA offices ^[2]. This represents the end of the Enumeration Beyond Entry program without public notice ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial context about the legal impossibility of the process it asks about. There is no federal law that prohibits the hiring of a person based solely on the fact that the person does not have a Social Security number ^[4], which creates a complex employment situation for undocumented workers.

The analyses reveal that aliens can experience significant delays in obtaining Social Security numbers ^[4], and federal laws and regulations require the reporting of a payee's Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) on federal information returns ^[4]. This suggests that while undocumented immigrants cannot obtain SSNs, they may use alternative tax identification numbers.

Recent policy changes under President Trump have further restricted access, as President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum aimed at stopping illegal aliens and other ineligible people from obtaining Social Security Act benefits ^[5]. This policy shift benefits those who advocate for stricter immigration enforcement and may disadvantage employers who rely on immigrant labor.

The pause in automatic SSN issuance affects previously eligible applicants who may not realize the change until their Social Security card fails to arrive ^[2], creating additional bureaucratic barriers even for legally authorized immigrants.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit assumption that there exists a legitimate process for undocumented immigrants to obtain Social Security numbers, which is fundamentally incorrect. This framing could perpetuate misinformation by suggesting that undocumented status is compatible with legal SSN acquisition.

The question fails to acknowledge that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms have not been updated to reflect recent changes, which may cause confusion among applicants ^[3], indicating systemic communication failures that compound the confusion around this topic.

The timing of asking this question is significant given that recent policy changes have made the process more restrictive even for legally eligible immigrants, suggesting the question may stem from outdated information or misunderstanding of current immigration and Social Security policies.