In the United States, millions of workers contribute to the Social Security program through payroll taxes, including a significant portion of foreign-born individuals. Notably, undocumented workers contributed approximately $25.7 billion in Social Security taxes in 2022, according to a report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).
Despite their financial contributions, undocumented workers are not eligible to claim Social Security benefits. By contrast, foreign-born workers who have obtained legal status—such as naturalized citizens, Green Card holders, or those with valid work permits—may qualify for benefits, provided they meet the program’s minimum work credit requirements. Like U.S.-born workers, these individuals must earn at least 40 credits through employment to become eligible for retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
It is important to note that if an eligible non-citizen receiving Social Security benefits is deported, their payments will cease. However, benefits paid to their family members can continue under certain circumstances.
Eligibility معايير for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens residing in the United States may qualify for Social Security benefits if they meet specific immigration and work-related criteria. These include:
- Being a legal permanent resident (Green Card holder).
- Holding a visa that authorizes employment within the U.S.
- Entering the country under the Family Unity or Immediate Relative provisions of U.S. immigration law.
These provisions ensure that lawful foreign workers who contribute to the Social Security system have access to the benefits they have earned, maintaining parity with their U.S.-born counterparts.