New Citizens Will Be Able to Request Social Security Updates Through Form N-400
Categories: Attorneys , Citizenship , Citizenship Green Cards , immigration attorneys , Immigration Law , Lawyers
On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the integration of the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program to the new version of the Form N-400, Application of Naturalization.
Under the EBE agreement between the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS has the ability to supply SSA with the necessary information to specify certain individuals who:
- live in the United States
- request to obtain an original Social Security Number (SSN) or replacement card
- USCIS approved for either an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a Permanent Resident Card (also referred to as “Green Card”).
Beginning on April 1, 2024, the new edition of Form N-400 will allow applicants to complete further questions on the form to request an original or replacement SSN card. Moreover, these questions will prompt the authorization of USCIS to update the applicant’s immigration status as a U.S. Citizen with the SSA office.
This new update eliminates the need for most new citizens to visit a SSA field office to apply for a SSN or a replacement card or to supply documentation as evidence of their new U.S. citizenship status to the SSA.
Applicants who wish to bypass the request of an SSN card or authorize the disclosure of information to the SSA when completing the new edition of the Form N-400 will still be required to visit a Social Security office to request a replacement SSN card and update their new citizenship status as per prior procedure.
This new addition to the Form N-400 implies USCIS’ willingness to simplify the process of obtaining certain immigration benefits, such as a new SSN card for new U.S. citizens. Moreover, the hope is that individuals applying for citizenship will take advantage of this implementation as it significantly shortens the process of getting a replacement Social Security Card.
As this policy is subject to more developments, we encourage readers to check our website regularly for any news and updates on this matter and other topics regarding immigration law.