Immigration, DOGE, and Data Privacy

Federal agencies collect personal data about individuals to administer programs and benefits, such as student loans or Social Security. This information, also known as administrative data, can pose a range of potential risks to immigrants (i.e. anyone who is not a U.S. citizen) and their families if it is used for purposes other than public service delivery. Because data collection and surveillance that targets immigrants is often done to find the current location of individuals, even the most seemingly mundane and non-sensitive information (such as current living address, familial associations, and employer) can have immense ramifications.

This explainer summarizes the types of administrative data the federal government holds that could directly or indirectly locate or identify immigrants, the potential impacts of federal immigration authorities and Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to this information, the use of this information for immigration-related purposes, and unanswered questions.

Access the full explainer here.