[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      FOREIGN STUDENTS SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS REFORM ACT OF 2009

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
the Foreign Students Social Security Numbers Reform Act. Simply put, 
this bill would prohibit foreign students from receiving Social 
Security numbers. In no way however would this bill prohibit foreign 
students from getting jobs as they can do so now. As is currently the 
case, foreign students may receive Social Security numbers for work 
purposes even though they do not need to pay Social Security taxes on 
any of their earnings.
  Given that the real purpose of a Social Security number is to track 
workers' earnings on which they have paid Social Security taxes, it 
makes no sense that we are giving out numbers to those who are here 
temporarily and do not pay Social Security taxes. Moreover, a 2007 
Inspector General report found that some foreign students ``may have 
obtained Social Security numbers for purposes other than on-campus 
employment or other authorized work''. After all, these are highly 
prized numbers.
  So rather than giving out numbers to those who don't really need 
them, we should instead work to better safeguard numbers to those who 
should have the numbers in the first place. Also this likely will 
prevent foreign students from overstaying their welcome.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation.

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