An investigation into former migrant workers, now retired, reveals that their access to social rights is worsening. The shift toward digital administrative processes has made it harder for them to navigate the system, and the number of administrative checks they face has increased. Benefits are now increasingly tied to how long someone has lived in France, a practice that critics say resembles a "national preference" policy, favoring long-term residents over others. Political discussions questioning whether immigrants or people receiving social benefits are entitled to their rights have grown more common in public and media discourse. Based on a study of the experiences of former migrant workers and people from the eastern part of Paris, this article shows how these changes impact people's lives and challenge the core principles of the French social state. These debates are not new, but over the past 25 years, there has been a steady tightening of social and migration policies, which has gradually limited the social rights and residency rights of foreigners. Access to various benefits, such as family allowances, disability pensions, and the solidarity allowance for the elderly (Aspa), has been made more difficult by increasingly strict rules on how long someone must have lived in France. These rules especially affect people whose lives have involved moving back and forth between France and other countries. Elderly immigrants who worked in France for many years are a clear example of these changes. What happens to them once they retire, and how does this affect their access to social rights? The Aspa, a social benefit that helps supplement low pensions, is especially important for these individuals, as their average pensions are significantly lower than the rest of the population. This benefit can reach up to 1,043.59 euros per month, and it is essential for many elderly immigrants. Immigrants often face less favorable working conditions compared to non-immigrants, including lower pay, more physically demanding jobs, and a higher risk of occupational injuries and diseases. These inequalities, largely due to discrimination in the labor market, affect their transition into retirement, increasing the risk of social isolation and loss of independence. Many of these individuals, especially men who arrived from North and West Africa in the 1970s and 1980s, were once seen as a temporary workforce but eventually settled permanently in France. However, once they retire, they find themselves caught in a tension historically maintained by the state: welcomed when there was a labor need, but rejected once that need was met. Despite the challenges they face, these elderly immigrants rely heavily on social benefits to supplement their meager pensions. Contrary to what some media and political narratives suggest, the main issue regarding social rights is not fraud but the lack of access to benefits for those who are eligible. For example, in 2016, half of those eligible for the Aspa were not receiving it, with the rate being even higher for women and the elderly. Since then, the criteria for accessing this benefit have only become more stringent. Immigrant populations often face multiple barriers in accessing their rights, including language difficulties, discrimination in the job market, and administrative instability. While the government has promoted digital administrative procedures as a way to simplify access and reduce non-access to rights, many studies show the opposite effect. The "digital divide" disproportionately affects people already facing social inequalities, such as those living in rural areas or those who are not fluent in French or have limited access to technology. Many people living in social housing or migrant workers' hostels struggle to navigate digital systems due to various reasons, including vision problems, low-performance phones, and lack of familiarity with digital tools. These challenges, combined with extended waiting periods and increased administrative complexity, leave these individuals in a precarious situation. Many are waiting years for their benefits, uncertain about the amounts they will receive, and must rely on family, community, or associative support to manage their daily expenses. The tightening of conditions for receiving social benefits and the emphasis on "national preference" have made it increasingly difficult for elderly immigrants to access their rights. For non-EU citizens, for example, the Aspa now requires a minimum of ten years of residence in France, in addition to a "stable residence." Despite criticism from advocacy groups, the required duration to receive the Aspa was increased from six to nine months in 2023, primarily affecting those with ties outside France. The digitization of administrative procedures has also led to increased scrutiny of individuals, especially those associated with the figure of "the immigrant." For the Aspa, users must now provide digital proof of their residence in France, such as passport copies and bank or phone statements. However, many elderly immigrants, already struggling with the digital divide, find it difficult to meet these requirements. Studies show that the digitization of public services has led to increased control over vulnerable populations, with immigrant communities being especially affected. Social professionals report a "systematic increase in controls," which can take the form of in-person visits, postal checks, or digital notifications. These controls are more common in social housing and former migrant workers' hostels. Some administrations, including those managing pensions and social benefits, have started cross-checking individuals' data, and recently, this practice has expanded to customs to monitor entries and exits from French territory. During the process of dealing with the administration, which can last several months, the payment of benefits is often suspended. Faced with stricter conditions and increased scrutiny, elderly immigrants are experiencing three major trends. The most common is the decision to renounce social benefits in order to be able to leave the country freely. A less common trend involves choosing not to return to their country of origin, out of fear of losing their rights and benefits. This can be costly, as it often separates them from their families. A third, minor trend involves people who continue to travel between their country of origin and France, trying to balance family and personal goals while managing administrative and economic challenges. The growing difficulties faced by elderly immigrants challenge the principles of equality and the universality of rights that underpin the French social state. These changes reflect a deep political shift, with policies that strengthen social and structural inequalities, and gradually question the very foundations of social rights in France.