Getting your SSN appointment during COVID pandemic

[LiCaoli 14]

I've been noticing that many new immigrants that need to apply for the first time for their Social Security number/card are having a hard time getting an in-person appointment at the their local Social Security office, since the offices are closed for walk-in service due to Covid pandemic. 

 

The alternative these offices are suggesting is mailing your ORIGINAL documents, such as Permanent Resident card, Passaport and sometimes even Birth Certificates. To me, that sounds like a terrible idea, can you imagine the headache in case your documents get lost? I'm not sure how big of a risk it actually is, but I surely don't want to find out. That said, here is some information to try and convince your SS office to get you and in-person appointment. But first, if the person who answers the phone is not wiliing to help you, get their supervisor to talk to you.

 

• IT'S THE LAW:  You can't mail your GC since Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) requires all lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to have “at all times” official evidence of LPR status. 

 (e) Personal possession of registration or receipt card; penalties

Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d). Any alien who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction for each offense be fined not to exceed $100 or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

 

• USCIS 'Welcome to the United States A Guide for New Immigrants' states that:

 As a permanent resident, you must: Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times

Page 14: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-618.pdf

 

• Here are two articles about the topic:

 “If you decide to carry a copy of your green card instead of the original because you want to keep the original safe, you will be violating the law.”

 https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/do-i-really-need-carry-green-card-me.html

           

 “Do you have to carry my green card around with you? Card holders are required under law to have their green cards on them at all times to prove their legal status. If you are detained, Federal law enforcement has the authority to demand that you demonstrate your legal status. Failing to have your green card on your person is considered a misdemeanor.

Practically speaking, chances are that you will likely not get into trouble if you happen to have it on your person. Immigration authorities do have limited resources and will likely not waste them on prosecuting people for not carrying their green cards at all points in time. But, especially in this tumultuous political climate, it is advisable to carry it with you at all times as is required by law.”

https://www.borderwise.co/learn/greencards/everything-a-green-card-holder-should-know

 

I hope that helps!

Edited March 4, 2021 by LiCaoli
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