(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today introduced a bill that would prohibit aliens and their spouses and dependents from claiming social security credit for work performed while in the United States illegally.

        “Each year hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens cross our borders and settle in the United States,” said Vitter.  “They work illegal jobs for low pay, and a loophole exists that allows them to draw social security benefits based on this work.  This is simply unacceptable.  We should not be rewarding illegal aliens for breaking our laws, and this bill will help remedy this situation.”

        U.S. law prohibits illegal aliens from receiving social security benefits, but a loophole in the law allows for some benefits to be applied retroactively if the illegal alien leaves the country and legally reenters at a later date, or if he obtains legal status to reside in the United States.

        “Illegal immigration is a serious and costly problem for our nation,” Vitter said. “We must begin to take serious steps to curb the number of illegal crossings that take place on our borders each and every day.

        Vitter’s bill would prohibit illegal aliens from being credited for income earned while living and working in the United States in violation of U.S. immigration law.

        “Every day, as illegal aliens cross our borders, thousands arrive in the United States and begin to work their way through a thorough and legal immigration process.  We should ensure that those who adhere to this legal - and difficult - process are afforded all of the rights and benefits they deserve, instead of allowing such benefits to pass to individuals who show no respect for our national laws,” said Vitter.