A friend told me that I should get a SSN while I am here. Do you think I should? what will I use it for?

In America, you use your SSN a LOT! I would advise that you do get one.

There was a time when you could get a social security number simply by asking. This is no longer the case. You will have to produce a birth certificate and, sometimes, other papers proving identity and citizenship.

Once social security sees that you were not born in the US, they will ask to see the visa. A B1 visa is not going to work.

Further, the INS has a different card that they issue to non-resident workers who are here on a visa that permits work. It is issued through INS and not through social security.

A B1 simple mean that you are on Business, you dint need a Social Security Number, if you are working or going to school then you will need one

I don't think they would give you one even if you try. B1 is a tourist Visa

sounds illegal to me....unless you are a citizen and plan to work in this country you dont need one...unless your friend is planning on having you commit identity theft

Go try!!!! INS mean anything???