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Jan. 15, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: Did you know that at least half of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. pay Social Security taxes even though they are not eligible for Social Security benefits? In 2022 they paid $25.7 billion in Social Security taxes. That’s roughly $20 billion in free money that undocumented immigrants are contributing to the Social Security budget each year.
If the Trump administration actually kicks out an estimated 11 million undocumented workers when he takes office, that could lead to a $20 billion dent in the SSA budget which is already facing a shortfall due to a smaller number of the younger population funding the larger number of baby boomers who are collecting benefits for longer periods. If you are a retiree or are going to retire in the near future, this may further jeopardize your Social Security benefits down the road.
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that undocumented workers paid a total of $96.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022. They must not all be criminals, rapists, and murderers. AMY RICHWINE Lexington
