Federal survey review shows significantly higher participation rates among immigrant-headed households compared to native-born households.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
An analysis of federal survey data indicates that nearly half of households led by immigrants in the United States are enrolled in at least one welfare program, according to findings from the Center for Immigration Studies.
The analysis, based on the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement, reports that about 47 percent of immigrant-headed households access one or more forms of welfare. When refundable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit are included, the total increases to 54 percent.
Non-Citizen Use of Welfare by Region and Country of Birth by yourNEWS Media
In contrast, the data shows that 28 percent of households headed by native-born Americans use welfare programs, rising to 31 percent when tax credits are factored in.
The report further identifies disparities by country of origin. Households from Afghanistan showed the highest participation rate at 87 percent, followed by the Dominican Republic at 78 percent, Guatemala at 77 percent, Honduras at 75 percent, and Mexico at 67 percent. Lower participation rates were recorded among immigrant households from Korea, the United Kingdom, Canada, and India.
Supporting visuals, including data charts and comparative graphics, outline the distribution of welfare use across different populations.
Center for Immigration Studies
Center for Immigration Studies
Researchers noted that although many newly arrived legal immigrants and those living in the country unlawfully are restricted from directly accessing certain means-tested programs, participation still occurs at significant levels. “Although most new legal immigrants and illegal immigrants are barred from accessing most means-tested programs, these restrictions have not prevented a large share of non-citizen-headed households from accessing the welfare system,” the report states.
The findings explain that benefits are often accessed on behalf of U.S.-born children within immigrant households and that eligibility rules apply only to select programs. “This is primarily because non-citizens often receive benefits on behalf of their U.S.-born children and the restrictions only apply to some programs,” researchers wrote. They added that lower average income levels and educational attainment among some immigrant populations contribute to eligibility for assistance, stating that “these facts coupled with the large share of non-citizens who have modest levels of education and their resulting low incomes mean many can use means-tested anti-poverty programs.”
The report comes as the United States continues to issue roughly one million green cards annually, alongside a similar number of temporary work visas. Estimates place the population of individuals residing in the country unlawfully between 11 million and 22 million.
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