But only for 18 months -- they can have worked in Mexico for the other 8 and a half years and qualify for US Social Security. That's why it's called a "totalization" agreement -- you "totalize" (governmentese for average) all work done in both countries and then pay out as if you worked in only one place the whole time. For most countries we have these kind of agreements with, they have systems that are equivalent and the other country pay the US whatever taxes were withheld in their country (or vice versa.) This agreement is different in that the retirement systems are so different, and Mexico is getting a deal that NO other country we have these agreements with is getting.
And you're assuming there is no fraud -- how do you PROVE only those who have paid into the system will get benefits? Forget about being able to verify a Mexican work history -- what about multiple people paying on the same stolen SS#? Five people paid, but ten claim they paid, and who do you believe since you have no way of determining which five actually paid in?
"what about multiple people paying on the same stolen SS#? Five people paid, but ten claim they paid, and who do you believe since you have no way of determining which five actually paid in?"
You've got that potential for SS fraud whether this agreement is signed or not.
On the other hand, this agreement makes them go back to Mexico to collect.
For whatever reason, many posters on this thread seem to be jumping up and down mad about that sort of agreement.
Frankly, I *like* the idea of giving them incentives to go home. It beats the heck out of whatever we're doing today.