Posted on 01/01/2007 8:04:50 AM PST by WatchingInAmazement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After numerous refusals over three and a half years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has released the first known public copy of the U.S.-Mexico Social Security Totalization Agreement. The government was forced to make the disclosure in response to lawsuits filed under the Freedom of Information Act by TREA Senior Citizens League, a 1.2 million-member nonpartisan seniors advocacy group.
The Totalization Agreement could allow millions of illegal Mexican workers to draw billions of dollars from the U.S. Social Security Trust Fund.
The agreement between the U.S. and Mexico was signed in June 2004, and is awaiting President Bush's signature. Once President Bush approves the agreement, which would be done without Congressional vote, either House of Congress would have 60 days to disapprove the agreement by voting to reject it.
"The Social Security Administration itself warns that Social Security is within decades of bankruptcy -- yet, they seem to have no problem making agreements that hasten its demise," said Ralph McCutchen, Chairman of the TREA Senior Citizens League.
The U.S. currently has 21 similar agreements in effect with other nations, which are intended to eliminate dual taxation for persons who work outside their country of origin. All of the agreements are with developed nations with economies similar to that of the U.S.
For example, a worker who turns 62 after 1990 generally needs 40 calendar quarters of coverage to receive retirement benefits. Under totalization agreements, workers are allowed to combine earnings from both countries in order to qualify for benefits. The Agreement with Mexico, like other totalization agreements, would allow workers to qualify with just six quarters, or 18 months, of U.S. coverage.
But Mexico's retirement system is radically different than that of other participating countries. For example, only 40 percent of non-government workers participate in Mexico's system, whereas 96 percent of America's non- government workers do. In addition, the U.S. system is progressive, meaning lower wage earners get back much more than they put in; in Mexico, workers get back only what they put in, plus accrued interest.
"I applaud the persistent efforts of TREA Senior Citizens League to try to get documents from the U.S. Government about the U.S.-Mexico Social Security Totalization Agreement," said Rep. Walter Jones (news, bio, voting record) (R-N.C.). "The American people are finally beginning to get some of the information regarding this Agreement that they have been seeking for so long."
According to the SSA, the Social Security Trust Fund will begin paying out more than it is taking in by 2017, and will be exhausted by the year 2040.
With 1.2 million members, TREA Senior Citizens League is one of the nation's largest nonpartisan seniors groups. Visit http://www.SeniorsLeague.org for more information or to see the Totalization Agreement documents.
SOURCE TREA Senior Citizens League
I am waiting for the Free Trade and Global Economists here at FR applaud this stinker.
All us gringos had better learn that language!!!
Awaiting President Bush's signature!!!!
OK since 2004 I see gee somebody is sellin a bridge too..
Pathetic those who want to believe the worst of our president!
Americans are retiring to countries where it is cheaper to live. Current law requires they visit the US every year to retain Medicare eligibiity. Social Security cuts their bnefits in half when it learns they are living in Mexico. Likewise, Cqanada requires snowbirds spend 6 months a year in Canada to keep their health insurance. So, do you want Mexicans staying here to collect Social Security they have earned, or wouold you rather they went home when they want to?
His State Dept. made the agreement and his SS administrator signed on, so what do you think?
Good point. I have always wondered why those that support amnesty for example will not say it is amnesty, and why Republican leadership has adopted democratic style strategies of lying about their intentions. Why do they misname things in order to manipulate and deceive their own base ie. "pathway to citizenship", "jobs Americans will not do" etc.
Why do they malign those that would point out the truth, about what these changes really mean.
Why aren't people offended by the secrecy, the deception the warping of language?
Why are they highjacking our Democracy?
Regards.
Let the crooks in your pocket, be surprised at the outcome.
This overall program has been in place since the Carter Administration. However, this is the first totalization agreement between the United States and a nation responsible for nearly 70 percent of the illegal immigration into the United States.
http://www.azconservative.org/Barton.htm
True, but there may well be a timetable there too. The President signs on January 20th, 2009. And then Congress votes in favor in a midnight vote before Christmas 2009.
Pull the plug. The ssytem is terminal.
This obviously another piece of brilliant strategery by Rove/Bush. We, the ignorant freepers, are unable to discern the benefits of this agreement.
Sarcasm, while maybe not obvious to all freepers, is most definitely intended.
So basically, Congress is going to raise taxes on everyone here so that Mexican citizens can enjoy the good life south of the border? That is just plain WRONG.
I think we are the only country that hasn't figured it out yet. With the socialists/democrats it's only going to get worse.
Oops, but I forgot, you Watchin are not for any reform of your beloved Ponzi scheme.
This is a great program!
Now the illegals can not only take away jobs from Americans, they can take away their Social Security money too!
There is even better news - with fat SS checks coming in, the Mexican illegals can go back home and live like kings in their own country when they turn 62. Maybe we can pass a law to start paying them immediately, so they will go home right away. We can include an earmark for 7-11 to make up for the lost business from it's illegal loiterers.
This is the long term fix to the illegal alien problem. Karl Rove IS a genius!
He sure makes it easy to do so!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.