Who is eligible for a social s

By: Beth Robertie, Esq. 我们的客人经常问到有关social security numbers(SSN) 的问题，在此，我们想谈谈就申请SSN的条件以及一些其它相关问题和信息，以供大家参考。 We often get questions from clients regarding social security numbers and who is eligible to receive one. Here is a general breakdown of who is eligible and in what situations. Citizens of the United States are eligible for a social security number (SSN) regardless of whether they were born here or elsewhere. Noncitizens may also be eligible for an SSN, depending on their immigration status. There are three different kinds of social security cards: regular cards, cards valid for work only with the authorization of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and nonwork cards. Regular Cards The most common type of card is for individuals eligible to work. The card is issued showing the individual’s name and SSN , without marked restriction. The following people are eligible for regular social security cards: * U.S. citizens * Noncitizens lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence (immigrants) * Noncitizens with permission from DHS to work permanently in the U.S., such as refugees, those granted asylum, and citizens of Compact of Free Association countries (Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau) * Members of a group eligible to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis (e.g. with a work visa, such as H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, or H-1B, authorized foreign students, or authorized workers in approved exchange programs) DHS-authorized Work Card These cards are issued to noncitizens eligible to work under limited circumstances. The card issued in these cases bears the mark “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION.” For example, these cards are sometimes issued to foreign students for optional practical training (OPT), an internship with a recognized international organization, or in cases of severe economic hardship. The Social Security Administration verifies the applicant’s documents and must see evidence of a job commitment and specific DHS authorization before issuing this kind of card. Nonwork Card These cards are issued to people not eligible to work in the United States. The card bears the mark “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYENT.” These cards are issued to noncitizens who are legally in the United States and do not have DHS permission to work, but have been found eligible to receive a federally-funded benefit or are subject to a state or local law that requires them to have an SSN to get public benefits. Examples of such programs include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Survivor Benefits, Medicaid, and Food Stamps. ______________________________________________________________________________ 本文由范毅禹律师事务所提供 本律师事务所精办各类劳工应聘及专业移民申请 (包括H-1，L-1，EB-1，EB-2，NIW，劳工卡，绿卡等申请)。所有申请由多位美籍律师及拥有15年经验的范毅禹律师亲自处理，我所并特设中英移民网站。内有最新移民新闻资讯及由律师主持的移民问答集，欢迎读者流览查询。 www.Fan-Law.com CALIFORNIA : Fan, Fitzpatrick & Thompson, LLP. 370 E. Glenarm St., Pasadena , CA 91106 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] MARYLAND : Fan, Fitzpatrick & Thompson, LLP. 230 North Washington Street, Suite 400 , Rockville , MD 20850 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]