I dreaded the trip to the Social Security office to get a replacement Social Security card for Audrey.
I couldn’t navigate their phone system to get an appointment (“please press or say 1” ugghh!) so we decided to just go to the office and either get in line or get an appointment.
Two things impressed me:
1. The security guard at the door asked, “How can I help you?” We told him and he told us exactly what we needed to do – get a number from the machine and where the proper forms were. The security guard doubling as the information receptionist, that’s great savings for the tax payer (Although why they would need a security guard there I don’t know. I don’t think he was armed.)
2. The lady at the window who helped us was very courteous and efficient. She had a nice smile even though it was close to lunch time.
We waited less than 1/2 hour and were out of there. However, I noted that proof of citizenship was not asked for. I brought Audrey’s birth certificate along, but the lady only asked to see her driver’s license.
April 26th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
You don’t need to be a citizen or even legally in the country to get a social security card. I think it’s to encourage everyone to pay their taxes and be honest in financial matters, even if you’re “in the shadows.”
April 27th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Interesting. Then if an employer is suppose to verify your legal status to work, they should ask to see your green card or your birth certificate??
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Nope… you don’t need to be a citizen or permanent resident to work, either. You just need to have approved work authorization from the US government. You can get that at the same time you apply for asylum or temporary protected status. Then while those applications are pending, you can work in the US. That’s how they’re able to pay their taxes and get established here, and that’s why it’s harder to deport them later. =P