Costa, Valley Congressmen, Senator Feinstein Question Social Security Match Letters

Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), along with valley Congressmen TJ Cox, Josh Harder, Jimmy Panetta, and Senator Diane Feinstein sent a letter to the Social Security Administration questioning the decision to reinstate the controversial practice of sending "no match" letters to businesses across the country. These letters notify employers that an employee's Social Security number doesn't match up with official records.

The Obama administration previously suspended the practice – which first began in the mid 2000s - in 2012. Congressman Costa is concerned the purpose of re-issuing these letters is to crack down on unauthorized workers and places the Social Security Administration in a role outside if its mandate: immigration enforcement.

In industries that could be most affected by this policy – such as agriculture – there is already a shortage of labor. Without workers, food will rot in the fields. These letters can turn an already fragile situation into a national crisis.

"The intent of these letters is to solely intimidate employers who might have undocumented workers on their payroll. It fits in with the strategy of the Trump administration to instill fear and create chaos among the very workers who tend to our fields and work hard to help put food on America's dinner tables. This policy will harm our economy and destabilize many of our communities," Costa said.

"The real answer is to make sure we have a fair immigration system. That is why I'm working with my colleagues to develop bipartisan solutions that address our economic realities and treat everyone with respect."