学校来信：

Dear International Student,

       This e-mail is being sent to you to inform you of recent law changes
that affect the issuance of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) to
International Students.

       Due to concerns about national security and a growing problem with
identity theft, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has put into
place stringent policies limiting the issuance of SSNs.

       As of October 13, 2004, an F-1 student is eligible for a SSN ONLY IF
one of the following is true:

       (1) The F-1 student has an on-campus job 
       (2) The F-1 student has an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 
       (3) The F-1 student has been authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

       Please note that the change in policy affects all F-1 students at all
universities and in all states.

       这就意味着如果去了拿不到TA、RA，就没办法申请到SSN了，即使拿到fellowship都不可以了。没有SSN，就没办法申请信用卡，不能考驾照，甚至有的地方银行帐号都不能开。