Thank you for expressing your concerns about Social Security and illegal aliens.
I appreciate you sharing the views of many North Dakotans about whether illegal aliens who are living and working in this country should be eligible for certain Social Security benefits. I visited with experts at the Social Security Administration and the Congressional Research Service about this matter. They informed me that federal law prohibits illegal aliens from collecting Social Security benefits while they are residing in this country.
As you know, the United States and Mexico have signed an agreement that is intended to coordinate the two countries' Social Security programs. Some Members of Congress have raised a concern that if implemented, the agreement that the Bush Administration signed with Mexico could drain significant revenues from the Social Security trust fund and may inappropriately benefit some aliens who are working illegally in this country.
I did not support the negotiations between the United States and Mexico pertaining to this matter. President Bush has not yet submitted this totalization agreement to Congress for its review and the measure can not take effect until this and other related actions take place. However, if such an agreement is considered in the Senate, I intend to vote against it.
Thanks again for sharing your concerns.
Senator Byron Dorgan
