Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Legislation To Protect Social Security And Medicare For American Citizens

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 26, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced the Preserving Social Security and Medicare for Citizens Act of 2026 to limit Social Security and Medicare benefits to American citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents, while subjecting currently exempt nonimmigrant visa workers to payroll taxes.

"Americans have paid into Social Security and Medicare their entire working lives," said Congresswoman Mace."These benefits are for Americans who play by the rules, not for foreign nationals or those here illegally. This bill draws a clear line, strengthens these programs, and protects what hardworking Americans have earned."

The legislation amends the Social Security Act to ensure Social Security and Medicare benefits can only be used by U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents. In addition, the legislation expands the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax base by removing specific exemptions for certain foreign nationals with nonimmigrant work visas, requiring these foreign nationals to contribute payroll taxes and strengthening the long-term solvency of these programs.

The Preserving Social Security and Medicare for Citizens Act of 2026 would:

• Limit Social Security eligibility to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents
• Limit Medicare eligibility to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents
• Eliminate exceptions in the Internal Revenue Code which allow certain nonimmigrant visa workers to avoid paying federal payroll taxes (FICA)

"Washington has ignored the strain on these programs for too long," Mace continued. "This is about fairness, accountability, and making sure Social Security and Medicare are there for the Americans who earned them today and for generations to come."

SEE BILL TEXT BELOW:

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