HIAS refutes Internet refugee claim

HIAS refuted an Internet campaign falsely claiming refugees get higher social security benefits than other Americans.

Advertisement

HIAS refuted an Internet campaign falsely claiming refugees receive higher Social Security benefits than other Americans.

The scam e-mail, already exposed as a hoax by Snopes.com, has been targeting newspaper editors. It claims that refugees are entitled to benefits of $1,890 a month, while Americans born in 1924 are entitled only to $791.

The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society sent news editors an e-mail countering the campaign, noting that the most that elderly refugees and those granted asylum are entitled to is $637 a month along with a one-time grant of $425.

“The U.S. government requirements for eligibility in these categories are extremely strict, and non-governmental organizations, like HIAS, work to help these individuals find refuge here within the guidelines set by U.S. law,” the HIAS letter said.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement