Trump Aides Push to List Over 6,000 Living Immigrants as Dead in Federal Records

 Trump Aides Push to List Over 6,000 Living Immigrants as Dead in Federal Records

In a highly controversial move, former Trump administration aides reportedly directed the Social Security Administration (SSA) to classify over 6,000 living immigrants as deceased. The action involved adding these individuals—many of whom had entered the U.S. under Biden-era parole programs—to the Death Master File, a federal database typically reserved for deceased persons. The consequences of this classification are far-reaching, impacting their ability to access basic necessities such as jobs, bank accounts, and healthcare.

Most of the immigrants targeted had legally entered the country using the CBP One mobile app, a system introduced to streamline the immigration process. By falsely listing them as dead, officials effectively invalidated their Social Security numbers. This administrative maneuver cuts them off from critical government services and is widely seen as a tactic to coerce voluntary departures—what critics call "self-deportation."

The move has sparked backlash from immigrant advocacy groups and legal experts, who argue that it represents a dangerous overreach of government power and a blatant misuse of federal databases. Civil rights advocates warn that setting such a precedent could open the door to broader abuses of data and a deeper erosion of individual privacy and due process.

Legal challenges are already being considered, as calls grow louder for accountability and transparency. The incident adds yet another layer to the ongoing national debate over immigration policy and the balance between enforcement and human rights.

For many affected individuals, the sudden loss of legal status and essential access to daily life services has been devastating. As investigations unfold, both the legality and morality of the decision are likely to face intense scrutiny.