The Trump administration has initiated a controversial move by classifying over 6,000 living immigrants as deceased, a decision that has raised significant concerns regarding its implications for those affected. This new distinction necessitates that the names and legally acquired social security numbers of these individuals be entered into a federal database. This database typically is utilized only to track the deceased. This maneuver essentially voids their social security numbers, removing not just their access to work, but vital social security benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains the country’s largest federal database of deceased persons. In addition, this new database includes more than 142 million records that extend as far back as 1899. By placing living immigrants into this database, the administration aims to enforce stricter immigration policies and prompt these individuals to leave the United States.
The only targeted immigrants largely came to the U.S. through the CBP One app — a streamlined entry point by the way implemented largely during the Biden admin. This user-friendly app helped usher in more than 900,000 immigrants into the country. Labeling these people as dead is just one aspect of a larger scheme. This strategy is designed to address key immigration issues and control the surge of migrants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Treasury Department executed a memorandum of understanding. Together with the national ongoing IRS exemption classification effort, this will contribute to improving the sharing of tax data connected to immigrants. This agreement gives Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the authority to transmit the names and residences of immigrants whom they believe to be living in the U.S. without legal status. They will check this data against tax records in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS should stop sharing sensitive tax information with ICE. This partnership will better allow us to locate and remove those who are illegally here in our country.
The legality and ethics of these actions have recently drawn renewed criticism. A federal judge recently intervened, temporarily blocking a team from social security systems tasked with managing personal data on millions of Americans. Led by billionaire Elon Musk, this team was roundly criticized. A federal judge condemned their actions as a “fishing expedition” designed to eliminate federal employees and cut back on the government’s role in providing essential functions.
Despite the controversy, a representative from the Social Security Administration did not respond when approached for comment regarding the classification of living immigrants as deceased. The Privacy Act does give the SSA the ability to share information with law enforcement if warranted. This includes even the most serious cases such as violent crime and other heinous criminal wrongdoing.
Critics say this designation would unfairly punish thousands of people who came legally and been longtime, law-abiding members of society. The ramifications of losing social security numbers extend beyond employment. It disrupts access to healthcare and benefits that many rely on for their livelihood.
As discussions continue surrounding immigration policy and enforcement measures, questions remain about the long-term effects on those targeted by these actions. Immigrant rights advocates continue to champion for greater transparency and accountability in government practices that target marginalized communities.