Which agency does ED work with to confirm a student’s U.S. citizenship status?

The correct answer is the Social Security Administration (SSA) because the SSA plays a critical role in verifying a student's U.S. citizenship status through the information they maintain. When a student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the data submitted can be cross-referenced with the SSA's records to confirm citizenship.

This verification process is essential to ensure that federal student aid is provided to individuals who meet the citizenship requirements mandated by law. Through this collaboration, the Department of Education is able to enforce eligibility criteria effectively and maintain the integrity of the federal student aid programs.

The other agencies listed serve different purposes; for instance, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is primarily involved in immigration and border security, while the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) manages tax information and financial records. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) focuses on national security and law enforcement matters, which do not pertain to the verification of citizenship for educational purposes. Hence, the SSA is the appropriate agency for confirming a student’s U.S. citizenship status in the context of federal student aid.