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‘Stateless’ must show citizenship proof to get Soc. Sec. numbers
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Posted on Mar 03 2005
Stateless individuals, also known as Sabangan class members, may apply for Social Security numbers after they are issued proof of their U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport.
The Social Security Administration said it does not have the authority to make citizenship determinations for the people covered by the court decision in the Secretary of State Colin Powell vs. Jacinto Sabangan case.
For people born in the CNMI, the Department of State is responsible for determining U.S. citizenship.
The Social Security Act required all Social Security number applicants to provide at least two original documents to establish age, true identity, and citizenship or alien status. Applicants can submit certificate as proof of age. In order to prove identity, applicants should submit recently issued documents with a photograph such as driver’s license or health insurance card.
For someone born in the CNMI, acceptance evidence of U.S. citizenship is either a U.S. passport or a birth certificate issued for a birth that occurred in the CNMI on November 3, 1986 or later.
Once applicants have all the necessary documents they can come into the Social Security office on Saipan to complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). This form can also be downloaded at www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html.
On the other hand, former “stateless” individuals have already been invited to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, which is required for those who want to join the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Army Reserve Center recently relayed the invitation to the Military/Veterans Affairs Office.
The ASVAB examination is only open to U.S. citizens, or at least holder of 1-551 permanent visa card. “Stateless” individuals did not qualify before, even if they were allowed to take the exam.
But since the Appeals Court recognized them as U.S. citizens, the former “stateless” individuals now qualify to take the exam, giving them the opportunity to become a part of the U.S. Army Reserve.
The recruiter told Military/Veterans Affairs office that some of the former “stateless” individuals already took the ASVAB before but were not considered due to the citizenship issue.
