Elon Musk is once again at the center of a political controversy—this time over claims that the Biden administration has issued millions of Social Security numbers (SSNs) to noncitizens.
During a recent event, Musk and investor Antonio Gracias displayed a chart suggesting a “mind-blowing” number of SSNs had been given to noncitizens, sparking viral outrage online.
However, according to immigration and policy experts, this claim lacks critical context and misrepresents standard, lawful procedures carried out by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What Musk Claimed
At the event, Musk presented a chart reportedly showing a dramatic increase in the number of SSNs issued to noncitizens during President Joe Biden’s term.
He implied that this data pointed to systemic fraud or misuse of government benefits, prompting his supporters to amplify accusations of lax immigration policies and threats to Social Security.
“This is just mind-blowing,” Musk said during the event, as the graphic displayed a sharp rise in numbers since 2021.
But experts are pushing back, saying the numbers aren’t surprising—and certainly not illegal.
The Facts About SSNs for Noncitizens
The SSA has long issued Social Security numbers to noncitizens who are legally authorized to work in the United States.
This includes green card holders, temporary workers, and asylum seekers with approved work authorization. The process is codified under Section 205(c)(2)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act.
David Bier, associate director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, said the rise in SSN issuances corresponds with a higher number of asylum seekers and immigrants entering the U.S. legally in recent years.
“This is exactly what you’d expect if more people are applying for asylum and are being authorized to work,” said Bier.
When an immigrant is granted asylum or temporary protected status and subsequently authorized to work, the SSA automatically issues them an SSN. This allows them to participate in the workforce, file taxes, and fulfill other legal responsibilities.
Misconceptions About Fraud and Voting
Musk also suggested that noncitizens could be exploiting the Social Security system or voting illegally using their SSNs. However, there’s no evidence to support these claims.
Undocumented immigrants, even if they obtain an SSN through previous work authorization or other means, are not eligible for Social Security benefits unless they have contributed to the system long enough and obtained lawful permanent residency.
In fact, the SSA’s own report has noted that undocumented immigrants often pay into the system without ever being eligible to draw benefits.
Furthermore, an SSN does not grant voting rights. Only U.S. citizens may vote in federal elections. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) confirms that voter registration requires proof of citizenship, and SSNs alone do not meet this criterion.
Why the Numbers Are Rising
Immigration trends, rather than policy manipulation, explain the uptick in SSN issuances. According to the Department of Homeland Security, legal immigration rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic, and more asylum applications have been processed in recent years due to backlogged cases.
The Biden administration has also expanded work authorization for certain groups, such as Venezuelan and Ukrainian refugees, under humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). All of these groups are entitled to SSNs as part of their legal integration into the U.S.
Social Security Administration Responds
The SSA has not commented directly on Musk’s claims but maintains a public FAQ on how SSNs are issued. The agency collaborates with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify immigration status before granting an SSN.
Applicants must present documents proving both identity and legal work authorization. The issuance is not discretionary—it is required by law once eligibility is verified.
Final Thoughts
Elon Musk’s viral chart may stir public emotion, but it lacks crucial legal and procedural context. Experts across the political spectrum agree: issuing SSNs to legally authorized noncitizens is a routine, lawful process that has existed under administrations from both parties.
While immigration remains a deeply polarizing topic in U.S. politics, misleading claims about Social Security benefits and voter fraud risk distorting public understanding of how the system actually works.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
