Trump’s mass deportation strategy could significantly impact Social Security funding, affecting many older Americans who rely on these benefits.
Why? Well, a big chunk of that fund comes from payroll taxes paid by workers, including those immigrants who are here illegally. They pay into the system but can’t claim benefits. The Social Security Administration even mentioned that deportations could cut cash flow by about $20 billion a year, which could mean less money for retirees down the line.
And it’s not just about the money. Trump’s deportation agenda could shake up the entire immigrant labor force. He’s already declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, which lets him pull in military support for deportations. Plus, he’s looking to end birthright citizenship and tighten asylum rules.
Experts are worried that if he goes through with this, it could really limit the funds available for Social Security and Medicare. In 2022 alone, undocumented immigrants paid over $25 billion in Social Security taxes. With fewer workers contributing, the system could face even more strain, especially as the population ages and birth rates drop.
If the Social Security fund runs dry sooner than expected, many older Americans could lose their main source of income. It’s a tough situation, and it could also hit the healthcare sector hard, as many workers in that field are immigrants. So, it’s a complicated mess that could have serious consequences for retirees and the economy as a whole.
