soap box

Today- I'm on a soap box...not the cleansing, good smelling kind.  This issue makes me a bit sick to my stomach.  Social Security benefits being paid to non-U.S. citizens and EVEN illegal workers in the U.S. (AKA- no green card, not registered, etc.).

Scared??? Leave now and come back tomorrow---back to the warm and fuzzies then :)  Substantive, thoughtful blogging will occasionally occur here in My Path in Mommyhood.

{Disclaimer:
These are the opinions of ME, MYSELF AND I- and just like the saying goes- opinions are like ....., everyone has one.  So- take my opinion as you will but respect that I am entitled to having one.  No need to agree- I respect that you have the right and ability to disagree.  Do I dislike non- U.S. citizens--not true, so don't get all harried. }

I have heard about or really- paid attention to- this issue only infrequently as it is sometimes highlighted in the mainstream media--usually during presidential elections.  I haven't heard too much about it during the current GOP debates, though- yet.

I recently came in to contact with a person from a foreign country who plainly stated that they are here in the U.S. to work (since the late 1990s- early 2000s), they have a green card, they have NO intention of becoming a U.S. citizen, and they have full intention of returning to their home country after they reach the required number of years to draw Social Security benefits based on their work history (10 years).  Ok- positive aspect is that this person obtained a green card and is working legally--hooray.

Here's my soap box (aka opinion): The U.S. is the greatest country in the world.  We freely enjoy many, many rights and benefits that other countries only wish they were cool enough to offer (that is not a very professional way of putting it- oh well).  While I am fine with foreign persons entering the U.S. to work LEGALLY- I draw the line at foreign persons who never become a U.S. Citizen from drawing Social Security benefits. You like the benefits our country offers and you received while being here?? Then become a citizen.  It's pretty plain and simple for me.

Social Security is an ENTITLEMENT benefit; however, why is there no law stating that those entitled must be U.S. Citizens?

Take a look at this LINK for more information on existing Social Security law specific to this issue.

Lastly- this quote comes from this LINK of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page:

"The Value of Citizenship

The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world.  America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.
Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life.  If you decide to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you will be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyalty to its Constitution.  In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of U.S. citizenship. "


What is in red is complete bologna--non-citizens are already rewarded with almost every right and privilege that I am currently aware of that U.S. citizens "enjoy."  That is the whole purpose of this soap box.  Let's make some incentive for those non-citizens to become citizens in this awesome country that they at least temporarily wanted to be a part of to enjoy those "rights and privileges."  No Social Security benefits until and if you are a) legally here and legally working here and paying Social Security taxes and b) become a citizen to draw SS retirement and SSI (disability) benefits.

Are U.S. citizens going to other countries and working, paying taxes, etc. only to gain benefits of the foreign country and coming back to the U.S. once those have been secured (in the same numbers as those non-citizens doing this in the U.S.)?? My uneducated but best guess is NO.

An even more important issue is that U.S. citizens should not (solely) rely on our own Social Security system for the benefits it was designed to extend- namely- retirement benefits.  When I look to my future financial security- S.S. retirement benefits are no where on my radar or my list of resources; one cannot and should not rely on that system.  Plan ahead as best as possible- rid the debts you owe and be accountable for your own future.  I don't want to pay higher and higher federal taxes to then have to rely more heavily on my government- I'd rather keep taxes low and take some financial responsibility for myself and my family.

Whatcha think??