Data Sharing Between Social Security Administration and DHS: Implications for Immigrants

Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) updated a public notice confirming its ongoing practice of sharing “citizenship and immigration information” with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This data sharing, which began under the Trump administration, aims to enhance immigration enforcement by pooling sensitive information from various federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state voter data. The notice, known as a System of Record Notice (SORN), outlines how the SSA will share data, a requirement under the Privacy Act of 1974.

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The initiative to share data across agencies is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to consolidate government data for immigration enforcement. Reports indicate that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been instrumental in this effort, utilizing databases such as the US Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE). Critics argue that this data amalgamation violates established laws and norms governing data privacy.

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Leland Dudek, who served as acting commissioner for the SSA from February to May 2025, played a significant role during the initial phases of DOGE's involvement with the SSA. Initially supportive of DOGE, Dudek later expressed disillusionment with the agency's approach to data sharing.

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Critics, including Adam Schwartz from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have raised concerns about the legality and ethical implications of the SSA's data sharing with DHS. They argue that the government has failed to provide adequate public disclosure regarding the use of sensitive databases, which undermines trust and violates privacy laws. Furthermore, reports indicate that the administration has been manipulating SSA data to categorize immigrants as deceased, effectively restricting their access to jobs and government services.

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The SSA's recent SORN has been met with scrutiny from privacy advocates who emphasize the need for transparency in government data practices. Experts warn that the transformation of the SAVE database into a voter verification system could further erode privacy protections and bypass the requirements of the Privacy Act.

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While the SSA's data sharing practices have been confirmed, there is ongoing debate about the extent and legality of these actions. Some sources suggest that the administration's efforts to force immigrants to self-deport through data manipulation may not be fully compliant with existing laws. The lack of comprehensive public disclosure raises questions about the government's adherence to privacy regulations.

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• “There are laws that require the government to inform the public about their use of various kinds of databases and other surveillance technologies,” — Adam Schwartz, Privacy Litigation Director, Electronic Frontier Foundation

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• “Dudek says he was initially supportive of DOGE and acted as a bridge between SSA staff and members of the DOGE team before becoming disillusioned.” — Leland Dudek, Former Acting Commissioner, SSA

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This ongoing data sharing initiative raises significant concerns regarding privacy, legality, and the treatment of immigrants in the United States.

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