The morbid 3 word database that could be Donald Trump's silver bullet to tackle illegal immigration
Washington D.C.: The Social Security Administration (SSA) this week entered the names and Social Security numbers of more than 6,000 mostly Latino immigrants into its 'Death Master File' — a database tracking deceased individuals — effectively stripping their ability to work legally or receive federal benefits, according to sources and records obtained by The Washington Post. The move was reportedly requested by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Many affected immigrants had valid Social Security numbers but lost legal status, including those admitted under temporary Biden-era work programs that have since expired. A White House official, speaking anonymously, told the Post that those added to the database have criminal records or terrorist ties and some allegedly appear on the FBI’s terror watchlist.
The action follows two memorandums signed by Noem and Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek, authorizing the SSA to flag the immigrants as deceased for "national security" reasons under the Social Security Act. However, current and former SSA officials questioned the legality, arguing that falsely declaring living people dead violates privacy laws.
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White House spokeswoman Liz Huston stated the policy aligns with President Trump’s deportation promises, saying, "By removing the monetary incentive for illegal aliens to come and stay, we will encourage them to self-deport." Once listed, immigrants will be treated as dead by employers, banks, and benefit programs — nearly 1,000 were on Medicaid, 41 received unemployment, and 22 had student loans.
Critics warn the consequences could be catastrophic. The SSA itself has acknowledged that erroneous death reporting can cause "financial hardship". The Death Master File, shared with banks and employers, may trigger account closures and job losses. Some officials also fear the policy could expand to target any immigrant deemed unlawfully present.