New Social Security Card Application Requisites Raise Eyebrows

On August 10, 2015, the Social Security Administration (SAA) adopted a final rule that, as of September 9, 2015, eliminates the requirement that applicants seeking to obtain a new or replacement Social Security number card submit "documentary evidence." The Social Security number (SSN) is issued on a Social Security Card and consists of a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) foreign nationals residents. The number is issued by the SSA, an independent agency of the United States government. Although its primary purpose is to track individuals for Social Security purposes, the Social Security number has become a de facto national identification number for taxation and other purposes. For employers, the card serves as one of the primary forms of employment eligibility on USCIS Form I-9.