Who is eligible for a social s

By: Beth Robertie, Esq. 我們的客人經常問到有關social security numbers(SSN) 的問題，在此，我們想談談就申請SSN的條件以及一些其它相關問題和信息，以供大家參考。 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. ______________________________________________________________________________ 本文由範毅禹律師事務所提供 本律師事務所精辦各類勞工應聘及專業移民申請 (包括H-1，L-1，EB-1，EB-2，NIW，勞工卡，綠卡等申請)。所有申請由多位美籍律師及擁有15年經驗的範毅禹律師親自處理，我所並特設中英移民網站。內有最新移民新聞資訊及由律師主持的移民問答集，歡迎讀者流覽查詢。 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]