DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY  2800 DEFENSE PENTAGON  WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301-2800	5/7/2004

MEMORANDUM FOR :

DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
(DEFENSE EXPORTS AND COOPERATION)
(DASA(DE&C)/SAAL-ZN)
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
(INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS)
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
(INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS)
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

SUBJECT :

International Military Students and Social Security Numbers (DSCA Policy Memo 04-19)

REFERENCE :

1. Social Security Number Requirements for International Students to Obtain Driver's Licenses (DSCA Policy Memo 04-05) Hereby Cancelled
2. Federal Register Volume 68, Number 186
3. Social Security Act, Section 205 (c)(B)(i)(I)
4. Immigration And Nationality Act, Sec. 101(a)(15)(A)(ii)
5. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 8, Sec. 214.2(a)(2)

Reference (a) explained procedures for international military students (IMS) to obtain Social Security Numbers (SSN) to acquire driver's licenses. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has revised its policy, and no longer assigns SSNs for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver's license (per reference (b)) The reason for this change is to address SSN fraud issues arising from individuals using SSNs obtained for non-work purposes (to acquire driver's licenses) to gain employment. Therefore, reference (a) is hereby cancelled.

The SSA has worked closely with state motor vehicle administrators to alert them of this change in SSA policy. Most states now allow a person who is legally in the U.S. but ineligible for an SSN to obtain a driver's license with alternative documentation. Each International Military Student Officer (IMSO) will need to check with their state driver licensing agency to find out what documentation the IMS will need to obtain a driver's license.

In accordance with SSA's statutes, the Department of State's visa rules, and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) immigration classification rules (see references (c), (d) and (e)), incident to status, principal A-2 Visa holders are eligible for SSNs and can be issued a card with the legend "Valid for Work Only With DHS Authorization." A-2 family members may only be assigned SSNs if they apply for and are granted authorization to work by DHS. Per guidance from the SSA, principal A-2 Visa holders must present the required evidence of age, identity and lawful alien status at any Social Security office to be assigned an SSN.

The DSCA point of contact for this issue is Ms. Dawn Burke, (703) 601-3864 or e-mail dawn.burke@dsca.mil.

Richard J. Millies
Deputy Director

CC :

SATFA
AFSAT
NETSAFA
USCG
MARINE CORPS
DISAM
Social Security Administration