Back in 2005 we stressed the importance of making sure the transferee's name on the I-94 card matches exactly with the name on the passport and visa.  This still holds true, and now for a new reason; some states (e.g. New York) will not accept a driver's license application unless the name on the I-94, Social Security card, passport and visa all match.

In the event an error has been made on the I-94, the transferee can make an appointment with a Custom and Border Patrol's Deferred Inspection Office to "fix" the name on the I-94 (and then apply for a replacement Social Security card if necessary).

If the transferee has not yet applied for the SSN, the best preventative course of action is to make sure the Social Security Administration's clerk uses the name as it appears on the passport - which is the primary proof of identity.

More details on SSA policy can be found here (A1) and here (2B).

EG