Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that a significant portion of Nigerian immigrants in the United States depend on government welfare programs. This statement has intensified ongoing debates about immigration and public spending.
Welfare Data and Trump's Claim
On January 4, 2026, Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, presenting a chart titled “Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin.” The data indicated that 33.3 percent of Nigerian immigrant households in the US received some form of public assistance, such as food support or healthcare benefits.
The chart covered households from approximately 114 countries. While Nigeria's rate was below nations like Bhutan (81.4%) and Somalia (71.9%), it was higher than countries including Saudi Arabia (25.7%) and Bermuda (25.5%).
Concurrent Expansion of US Travel Restrictions
This welfare data release coincides with a series of stricter immigration measures from the Trump administration. In June 2025, a presidential proclamation imposed full and partial travel bans on several countries deemed security risks.
These restrictions were expanded in late December 2025 through a new order extending into 2026. The updated policy applies to 39 countries, with full bans on travelers from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.
Nigeria faces partial visa restrictions, limiting access to immigrant visas and several non-immigrant categories, including student and exchange visas.
Specific Impact on Nigerian Travelers
Visa rules for Nigerians were tightened earlier in July 2025. The US Department of State revised non-immigrant visa terms, reducing most categories to single-entry visas valid for only three months. This replaced a previous system that often granted multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.
US officials cited security alignment efforts. Reports indicate these measures were part of a broader enforcement drive that saw about 85,000 visas revoked in 2025.
Furthermore, updated US government data from November 24, 2024, revealed tens of thousands of African immigrants are listed for deportation, with nationals from Somalia, Mauritania, and Nigeria topping the list.
The combination of public welfare statistics and heightened visa barriers reflects a fortified US immigration stance, focusing on stricter controls for both legal and irregular migration.
