Trump’s Deportation Plan May Threaten Social Security Benefits for Retirees

Los Angeles: So, Donald Trump is back at it, promising to deport millions of immigrants if he gets a second term. But here’s the kicker: a recent analysis suggests this could really hurt Social Security funding.You know how many older folks depend on Social Security to get by? The average check is around $1,976 a month, and for a lot of people, that’s their lifeline. But if Trump goes through with his deportation plans, it could drain billions from the Social Security fund.

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.