Story perspectives

Nearly Half of Immigrant Households Depend on Welfare

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Center for Immigration Studies analysis finds 47% of U.S. households headed by immigrants rely on welfare.
Including tax credits, welfare reliance among immigrant households rises to 54%.
Only 28% of native-born Americans use welfare.
Afghanistan, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico have the highest welfare use among immigrant households.
The United States grants about one million green cards annually, alongside a similar number of temporary work visas.

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Story summary

A Center for Immigration Studies analysis finds 47% of U.S. households headed by immigrants rely on welfare.
Including tax credits, welfare reliance among immigrant households rises to 54%.
Only 28% of native-born Americans use welfare.
Afghanistan, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico have the highest welfare use among immigrant households.
The United States grants about one million green cards annually, alongside a similar number of temporary work visas.