Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that about 33 percent of Nigerian immigrants in the United States rely on public assistance programs, a statement that has generated discussion and controversy. Trump made the assertion while speaking on immigration policy, using the statistic to argue for tighter controls and reforms to how the U.S. manages migration and welfare support.
Critics of the claim have questioned its accuracy and context, noting that immigration and welfare use statistics can vary widely depending on factors such as legal status, duration of stay, employment rates, and economic conditions. Advocates for Nigerian and African immigrant communities have pushed back against the figure, warning that it could reinforce negative stereotypes and misrepresent the broader contributions of immigrants to the U.S. economy and society.
The debate highlights broader tensions in the ongoing conversation about immigration policy in America, where data, perception, and policy goals often intersect in contested ways. Trump’s comments are expected to fuel further discussion ahead of upcoming elections and within policy circles about how best to balance border security, economic needs, and humanitarian considerations.
