The President's Speech

[TooFarTampa]

There is more to it than you found in less than five minutes. For example from CNN (Health care bill has curious coverage for illegal immigrants - CNN.com):



Republicans tried to include an amendment for status verification. Democrats defeated all attempts. If it were really a simple point, it would already be agreed.

Just this morning I was wondering how the government would enforce fines on illegals who don't comply with mandatory coverage. They aren't really known for following government regulations.

But how can someone get coverage without a Social Security number? Nothing official gets done in this country without one. An illegal immigrant could not provide a genuine SSN. That would seem to be verification enough.

 

[mtlinscomb]

You know it can't be good for the Pres. when the NYT says you are heavy on the fluff and light on the substance. And yes, calling him a liar was out of bounds, and it was less than classy when the Dems boo'd Bush in 2005. The one thing I will say about him being called out as a liar is I'd hate to be in his shoes if illegals end up on the govt plan.

 

[Winnie]

But how can someone get coverage without a Social Security number? Nothing official gets done in this country without one. An illegal immigrant could not provide a genuine SSN. That would seem to be verification enough.

They provide non-genuine SSN's all the time for employment.

 

[TooFarTampa]

They provide non-genuine SSN's all the time for employment.

How does that work? I really don't understand. If the employer then sends the Social Security Administration a payment for the payroll tax on the employee's behalf, using the fake SSN and the employee's actual name, doesn't someone usually catch it?

It seems like it would be one thing to provide a fake number for off-the-record low wage work in a restaurant kitchen or in the fields. It seems like quite another to become part of a computerized, automated system.

 

[Winnie]

How does that work? I really don't understand. If the employer then sends the Social Security Administration a payment for the payroll tax on the employee's behalf, using the fake SSN and the employee's actual name, doesn't someone usually catch it?

It seems like it would be one thing to provide a fake number for off-the-record low wage work in a restaurant kitchen or in the fields. It seems like quite another to become part of a computerized, automated system.

Eventually they would catch it. By then the illegal would be elsewhere with another false SSN.

I worked in an office once where a contract worker that had moved on somehow had given an incorrect SSN. The IRS notified the office about 6 months after the company filed 1099's. This was well over a year after the contractor left. No forwarding address.

With actual employees, I think you would be informed that the name didn't match the number but I don't know how long that would take.

If there were an database in which validity could be confirmed immediately, it would solve most of our illegal immigration problems. I don't think Congress is at all interested in doing that. Seems I always hear that it is a violation of civil rights somehow?

 

[Lynnie]

But how can someone get coverage without a Social Security number? Nothing official gets done in this country without one. An illegal immigrant could not provide a genuine SSN. That would seem to be verification enough.

I know. This is baffling. However, those illegal immigrants from MX can easily obtain a Mexican Consular ID. Somehow, it works with employment, banking, etc.

 

[scooterbug44]

I am glad that the Republican leadership and general public are condemning Wilson.

I was absolutely appalled that the PRESIDENT was giving a nationally televised speech and was HECKLED by a member of congress. Vote his rude ungentlemanly self out!

Why exactly is it so difficult to confirm someone's citizenship? I have a government issued photo ID with a swipe strip and a variety of anti-counterfeiting measures like holograms that I have to use to buy things, travel, enter a government building, use a credit card, and get photocopied for the files whenever I get medical care.

A bank etc. can run my entire credit history in less than 5 minutes, so why can't a doctor's office or hospital confirm someone's citizenship - a rather basic bit of info IMO.

 

[Winnie]

I know. This is baffling. However, those illegal immigrants from MX can easily obtain a Mexican Consular ID. Somehow, it works with employment, banking, etc.

Wow. So a SSN datbase wouldn't help with Mexican citizens. I imagine it is no big deal for others to obtain illegal Mexican Consular ID #'s.

 

[scooterbug44]

Um, exactly how does an ID issued by another country prove you are a US citizen?

I could see how a foreign passport would allow you to bank, get on a plane, prove your identity, be employed etc.

Can someone explain if this is wrong or inaccurrate:
If you are a US citizen, then you have a SSN and a government issued photo ID.

 

[Lynnie]

Um, exactly how does an ID issued by another country prove you are a US citizen?

I could see how a foreign passport would allow you to bank, get on a plane, prove your identity, be employed etc.

Can someone explain if this is wrong or inaccurrate:
If you are a US citizen, then you have a SSN and a government issued photo ID.

A Mexican Consular ID is issued in the US.