 CNN -- LOU DOBBS TONIGHT -- Aired May 26, 2006 - 17:59 ET Quote:
DOBBS: Congress is outraged over the growing number of illegal aliens stealing Social Security numbers of American citizens. That's where they get them. Amazingly, those identity thieves can collect Social Security benefits and, believe it or not, the way this government is run, that's perfectly legal.
Kitty Pilgrim has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) KITTY PILGRIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Illegal aliens steal Social Security numbers from American citizens and then want to claim Social Security benefits.
REP. CLAY SHAW (R), FLORIDA: Right now people don't realize, but under existing law -- which should be changed, by the way -- that the money is paid into a fraudulent number. Once the worker becomes legally here in the United States, if he or she ever becomes legal, that money can be claimed as a contribution to their Social Security earnings.
PILGRIM: In other words, fraud pays.
Some in Congress are outraged the Senate bill would also provide this benefit to illegal workers.
SEN. JOHN ENSIGN (R), NEVADA: The promise of Social Security is for citizens and legal residents of the United States. Social Security was not intended for individuals who enter our country illegally, purchase fraudulent green cards and documentations on the black market, and use them to get jobs.
PILGRIM: Congressman Ensign points out one U.S. citizen had her Social Security number stolen by 218 different illegal immigrants in Texas who used them for work papers. He displayed the fraudulent W-2 forms on the Senate floor.
ENSIGN: It is wrong to allow people who have broken our laws to receive such a reward.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PILGRIM: Now, despite the fact there is rampant fraud, the Senate version of the bill would allow illegal aliens to collect back Social Security benefits if they become legal. That will be one of the biggest debates, Lou, in upcoming sessions, for sure.
DOBBS: Absolute lunacy. Bizarre. It's madness upon madness.
Kitty, thank you very much.
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