Trump shares data showing low Nigerian welfare use, but travel restrictions remain
President Donald Trump shared data on his Truth Social network Sunday showing Nigerian migrants rank low on US welfare usage. About 33.3% of Nigerian immigrants receive benefits, placing Nigeria 93rd out of 118 countries—far below Bhutan (81%), Yemen (75%), Somalia (72%), and Dominican Republic (68%) who top the list.
Despite low welfare figures, Nigeria faces US travel restrictions barring entry for green card holders and B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visa categories. The restrictions took effect despite Nigeria's ranking below many countries without similar bans. Countries like China (32%), Barbados (33.9%), Colombia, and the Bahamas have comparable welfare rates but no restrictions.
In a December proclamation, the US government cited radical Islamist groups and persistent security crises as reasons for restricting Nigerian migration—citing security concerns rather than welfare usage. However, countries with similarly high welfare figures including Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatemala, Bangladesh, and Armenia face no travel bans despite appearing high on the welfare chart.
Nigeria ranks closer to the bottom of the welfare list, following Barbados and preceding Macedonia and China. Countries at the top recorded rates above 60%, with many already under US travel bans or visa restrictions.
Is this about welfare costs or security concerns? The data suggests Nigerian migrants aren't heavy welfare users, yet restrictions remain in place based on different criteria entirely.