Mother Lode Congressman's Bill Social Security Fraud Act Headed To House Floor

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Rep. Tom McClintock's 'Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act' has been folded into another bill, HR 1958, which recently passed the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would make specific acts related to Social Security or identification document fraud grounds for barring a non-U.S. national from admission to the United States or deporting the individual.

Why it matters

The bill is aimed at addressing loopholes and eliminating years-long litigation that frequently stymies the removal process for immigrants convicted of Social Security or identification document fraud. It comes amid reports of widespread fraud, with estimates of up to one million illegal aliens using fraudulent or stolen Social Security numbers.

The details

The basis for deportation or barring entry would be triggered by offenses such as creating a fake identity document deliberately and without lawful permission, and making a false statement of material fact in a Social Security disability benefit application. Rep. McClintock said the bill 'simply says if you are an alien who admits to, or is convicted of, social security fraud or identification document fraud, you cannot enter the country, and if you are already here, you should be deported.'

• Rep. McClintock introduced the original bill two years ago.
• HR 1958, which includes McClintock's amendment, recently passed the House Judiciary Committee.
• The legislation will next go to the House floor.

What’s next

The legislation will next go to the House floor for a vote.