"Princeton University sociologist Douglas S. Massey reports that 62 percent of illegal immigrants pay income taxes (via withholding) and 66 percent contribute to Social Security."
isn't the only way to obtain a social security card is to be born in the US , hasn't that been a law for over 15 years now? so does this article also mean that 66 % of illegal immigrants are using the stolen identities of US citizens? Or are all 66% using a tax id number?
And what of the 44% some 5 to 10 million, who owe back taxes?
No on Social Security cards to only those born here. H1-B visa folks have them, as do legal immigrants.
I was at the IRS office not long ago - and there is a form for immigrants who don't have a social security card but need a number for tax purposes.
"isn't the only way to obtain a social security card is to be born in the US , hasn't that been a law for over 15 years now?"
No. The *second* thing a legal permanent resident does upon entering the U.S. - that is, after receiving a "work visa" stamp in their passport - is to apply for and obtain an SSN.