During the first presidential debate, former President Donald Trump claimed the Biden-Harris administration is “trying to put [illegal immigrants] on Social Security.” So-called fact checkers immediately swarmed to debunk the Republican candidate. But he was largely correct.
When most people think of Social Security, they envision the main retirement benefit for seniors. But the Social Security Administration actually operates several programs for elderly, disabled, and low-income Americans. While foreigners who cross the border illegally generally don’t qualify for retirement benefits, they can receive substantial cash payments from these other Social Security programs.
In particular, foreign nationals can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security program designed to assist people with little or no income.
Legal immigrants, such as green card…
