Madam Chairman. on June 29. 2004. the United States Commission of Social Security signed a totalization agreement with the director general of Mexican Social Security Institute to coordinate our Social Security programs. The Social Security Totalization Agreement with Mexico gives those who have broken our laws the ability to claim Social Security benefits. While current U.S. law prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving Social Security benefits. until 2004 the law did permit illegal aliens to claim credit for work in the United States. If these individuals have amassed over 40 quarters of work. whether their status was legal or illegal. they would be eligible for full benefits. Considering the ongoing debate over reform and solvency of our Social Security system. it is important to first remove financial incentives to individuals who undermine our immigration laws and then claim benefits. further jeopardizing our U.S. citizens safety net. The Social Security Administration estimates that this totalization agreement with Mexico would result in 50.000 additional Mexicans qualifying for Social Security benefits in the first 5 years alone. This will only added to the problem of Social Security insolvency.
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illegal immigrants illegal aliens immigration