Seniors advocacy group warns about consequence of Totalization Treaty with Mexic

Seniors advocacy group warns about consequence of Totalization Treaty with Mexico

The founder of the American Seniors Association (ASA) says while he applauds the recent defeat of the Senate amnesty bill, another battle must be fought. Jerry Barton wants to expose a little known treaty with Mexico that he says could imperil the future solvency of the U.S. Social Security system.

Barton is pleased that the so-called "comprehensive immigration reform bill" before the Senate was recently defeated. He credits the grassroots efforts of the American people for that victory. Now, says Barton, the ASA is focused on educating the people about the 2004 "Totalization Treaty" between the United States and Mexico that could potentially allow millions of Mexican nationals -- even some living in the U.S. illegally -- to qualify for Social Security benefits.

According to Barton, that treaty would allow its citizens to collect some Social Security disability benefits by working in the U.S. as little as 18 months. It would also allow illegal immigrants to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits if the United States and Mexico finalize a totalization agreement.

That is not the kind of reform Social Security needs right now, says the ASA leader. "We need reform in it," he admits, "but certainly not reform by giving away the house. [W]e kind of classify [the Social Security system] as a ship that's sinking, and this kind of bill is throwing water on the ship."

Totalization, Barton explains, presents a clear and present danger to Social Security. He says his group is defending the system against that danger. "Basically what we are trying to do is create and help create demands for legislation that will give security not only to the people who are close to, or about to, start collecting their Social Security and their retirement -- if they're fortunate enough to have other retirement -- but [also to] the people who are in their 30s and 40s and 50s ....," he explains.

People in those age groups, says Barton, need to be aware of the treaty as well because, if it passes, it will have a bigger impact on them.

Barton points out that the measure has been tabled for now -- and he believes President Bush does not have the political will to move forward with it, but instead would like it passed as part of a comprehensive immigration bill. He believes proponents will continue to try to get the totalization plan through that way.