WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump said his administration has removed approximately 275,000 undocumented immigrants from the Social Security rolls, a measure aimed at protecting resources intended for American beneficiaries.
Trump noted that many of the affected individuals had
already left the United States and yet continued to appear on the system's
records. The president linked this action to his strategy to combat fraud and
prevent ineligible individuals from receiving public benefits.
The Trump administration began implementing new measures in
April 2015 to prevent ineligible individuals from receiving benefits under Social
Security law, which millions have been receiving without entitlement. The
presidential memorandum instructed federal agencies to strengthen eligibility
verification and halt payments to deceased beneficiaries or those who no longer
meet the established requirements.
The White House explains these actions as part of an effort
to combat fraud and preserve resources for public programs. In a subsequent
update, the government reiterated that 275,000 immigrants had been removed from
the Social Security rolls.
Trump maintains that these measures will strengthen the
integrity of the system and protect the benefits of those who qualify to
receive them.