SSN middle name - possible (non) issue?

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Hi guys

I went to the SSA on Monday, two weeks after I POE'd.

The woman who saw me said immigration had entered my name wrong. She said they had added my middle name on to my first name, so it looks like I have two first names and no middle name. She said she would have an SSN card sent to me, but I need to call immigration, have them fix my name, get a document from immigration (she didn't elaborate on what document. She didn't seem to know what she was talking about most of the time and right off the bat when she took my British passport she looked at me like I was covered in ants), then take it back to the SSA to update my record.

When I got home, I called deferred inspections who told me my middle name is in the middle name field and that the woman was talking BS because they don't even send information to the SSA.

I guess my questions are

A) Does this issue even need resolving and

B) If it does, who do I contact since deferred inspections are a bit confused and are understandably refusing to fix something that isn't broken?

Cheers

[BOS_LHR 829]

SSA was probably telling the truth, as it's a really common problem. CBP deferred inspection fixed it for us, but we had to have my husband's middle names actually removed from his record to get it done. I wrote about the issue and linked our resolution in my signature below. I know some people don't bother having it fixed, but that wasn't an option for us.

Adding: if CBP changes your name in their system, you dont need any documentation to prove it, social security will see it automatically when they query for you in their own system.

Good luck!

Edited December 11, 2014 by BOS_LHR

[Darnell 8,478]

CBP handles the data entry into the SAVE database system.

SSA looks you up in the SAVE database system.

I suggest going in person to CBP, talk with the shift supervisor - but even if it's changed LIVE and in yer face at CBP, this type of SAVE db update takes a week to be 'live' before a SSA clerk will see it.

I dunno, these 'phone calls' are always troublesome to me, when I read about em, here, as the only way to fix it , is to go in person to CBP.

Go Get Em, and Good Luck !

[Ketsuban 1,034]

SSA was probably telling the truth, as it's a really common problem. CBP deferred inspection fixed it for us, but we had to have my husband's middle names actually removed from his record to get it done. I wrote about the issue and linked our resolution in my signature below. I know some people don't bother having it fixed, but that wasn't an option for us.

Adding: if CBP changes your name in their system, you dont need any documentation to prove it, social security will see it automatically when they query for you in their own system.

Good luck!

Ah, ok, I see what's going on. Incompatible systems! I guess this happens to everyone who emigrates to the US then?

Mine wasn't truncated at all since my middle name is only 5 letters long. I take it that it won't be a problem, but I guess I won't know for sure until I start trying to go on the lease and get a job

[BOS_LHR 829]

Ah, ok, I see what's going on. Incompatible systems! I guess this happens to everyone who emigrates to the US then?

Mine wasn't truncated at all since my middle name is only 5 letters long. I take it that it won't be a problem, but I guess I won't know for sure until I start trying to go on the lease and get a job

Yeah, I think a lot of people let it lie and have no issues honestly. We didn't have the option because he literally couldn't get a social security number, his three names combined were too long for the system Very likely you'll be fine since they've issued you the SSN, but it's good to bear in mind your legal name may be first + middle instead of first alone. This system never stops being ridiculous! Congrats on POE though, I hope it's all smooth sailing from here

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Ah, ok, I see what's going on. Incompatible systems! I guess this happens to everyone who emigrates to the US then?

Mine wasn't truncated at all since my middle name is only 5 letters long. I take it that it won't be a problem, but I guess I won't know for sure until I start trying to go on the lease and get a job

I wouldn't bother with it now if they issue you a number. Once you get a greencard, give it 3 weeks then go back with the greencard and they should issue a new card to match that.

They issued my husband a new card/new name three times because USCIS would issue things differently with each status change. So SSA had to make the card match USCIS each time. It was not a request or option on our part.

John Smith- based on I-94 at POE

John L. Smith- based on greencard name when he became an LPR

John Larry Smith- based on naturalization certificate name when he became a US citizen

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Hi all

Coming back to say I've had no issues so far applying for stuff like bank accounts, lease etc. I didn't get my name corrected. This whole process has you on edge when any little blip happens, even if it's nothing lol

[TBoneTX 45,284]

Glad to hear it. Continued smooth sailing.