Approximately 47 million people in the US are immigrants, making up around 14% of the population. Each year, roughly 25-35 million individuals apply for a US visa, but only around 2-7.5 million of them are granted permission to enter the country.
The Necessity of American Social Security Number; Know More|CitizenPath
Explore why having American social security number is necessary and the additional information the significance of American social security number.
The American social security number is an essential part of American life as it is used for various important purposes.
Non-citizens in the United States generally do not need an American social security number unless they want to work. Only non-citizens authorized to work by the Department of Homeland Security can get an American social security number, which is used to report earnings and determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.
To get an American Social Security Number and card as an immigrant, you can either apply in your home country when filing for an immigrant visa, or contact your local Social Security office in the United States if you are already in the country. For non-immigrants, the process depends on the status of your visa.
If you are lawfully present and applying for work authorization or permanent resident status, you can apply for an American Social Security Number or replacement card through USCIS. If your visa allows you to work, you must contact your local Social Security office.
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Why is an American social security number necessary?
An American Social Security Number is required for working, receiving Social Security benefits, and accessing certain government services.
However, lawfully admitted non-citizens can still receive many benefits and services without an American Social Security Number. It is not necessary to have an American Social Security Number to obtain a driver’s license, enroll in school, get private health insurance, or apply for school lunch programs or subsidized housing.
While some organizations use American Social Security Number for identification, most will offer alternative methods if requested. The Social Security Administration cannot issue an American Social Security Number solely for a driver’s license or accessing services that require a credit check. Although many companies may ask for your American Social Security Number, it’s generally not mandatory to provide one if you don’t have it.
According to Investopedia, it is advisable not to carry your Social Security card with you unless you need it for a specific purpose, like presenting it to your employer during the paperwork process for a new job. However, if you have a valid passport, you can use it as proof of citizenship instead of providing your Social Security card.
Losing or having your Social Security card stolen can be risky because thieves can use the American Social Security Number along with your other personal information to commit crimes like applying for credit, loans, jobs, or even receiving healthcare in your name. This can lead to a significant identity theft issue that will require a lot of effort to fix.
