Trump Claims Over One-Third of Nigerian Immigrants in US Rely on Public Benefits

US President Donald Trump has highlighted welfare dependency among immigrants, stating that about 33.3% of Nigerian immigrant households in the United States receive some form of public assistance.

Trump shared the data on his Truth Social platform on January 4, 2026, as part of a broader discussion on immigration, economic contribution, and welfare use in US politics. The chart, titled “Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin,” covers 114 nations and territories, showing households receiving public support including food aid, healthcare, and other benefits.

Countries with the highest welfare rates among immigrants include Bhutan (81.4%), Yemen (75.2%), Somalia (71.9%), and the Marshall Islands (71.4%). Those with the lowest include Bermuda (25.5%), Saudi Arabia (25.7%), Israel/Palestine (25.9%), and Argentina (26.2%).

Alongside the statistics, the Trump administration has maintained strict immigration policies. Travel bans and visa restrictions introduced in June 2025 were extended in December 2025 to 39 countries, affecting full and partial entry for nationals from several African and Middle Eastern countries. Nigeria, among others, faces partial restrictions impacting student, vocational, and exchange visas.

Visa policy revisions in July 2025 for Nigerians limited non-immigrant visas to single-entry permits valid for three months, replacing previous multi-year visas. These actions are part of a broader effort to enforce security, enhance vetting, and curb illegal and irregular migration. Reports indicate that approximately 85,000 visas were revoked in 2025 under these stricter measures.

Trump’s presentation of welfare rates, combined with visa and travel restrictions, reflects his administration’s tough stance on immigration and efforts to link policy to economic and national security concerns.

Opinion Nigeria News