The U.S. President Donald Trump says roughly one-third of Nigerian immigrant households in the United States receive some form of public assistance, as his administration renews its push for tighter immigration controls.
The claim was shared Sunday in a chart posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform. The chart, which the president said was based on administration figures, outlines welfare participation rates among immigrant households from more than 120 countries and territories. It includes access to benefits such as food assistance, healthcare support, and other government-funded programs.
According to the data, Nigeria ranks near the middle of the list, with about 33 percent of Nigerian immigrant families reportedly using public assistance.
The chart places Bhutan at the top, with more than 80 percent of immigrant households receiving welfare benefits. Yemen, Somalia, and the Marshall Islands also ranked high, each with rates above 70 percent. At the lower end were countries including Bermuda, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, South Korea, and Kenya, with participation rates estimated between 25 and 29 percent.
Trump’s remarks come as his administration continues to link welfare usage to immigration eligibility. Throughout 2025, the White House has rolled out a series of immigration measures emphasizing reduced reliance on public resources.
In June, the administration issued a presidential proclamation imposing full and partial travel bans on several countries, citing national security concerns and limited cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities. Those restrictions were expanded in December to include 39 countries, with implementation set for January first, 2026.
Under the revised policy, Nigeria is subject to partial restrictions affecting certain immigrant visas and non-immigrant categories, including student, vocational, and exchange visitor visas.
The administration says welfare participation data should play a central role in shaping U.S. immigration policy, arguing that the system should favor migrants less likely to depend on government support.
Trump Discusses Immigration and Welfare, Citing Nigerian Families
