The Center for Immigration Studies has released a report indicating that 53.5% of immigrant-headed households utilized at least one major welfare program, in contrast to 39% of households led by U.S.-born residents.
According to the 2022 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, government benefit programs' usage is tracked across American households. This survey assesses participation in Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other means-tested benefits, serving as the primary source for welfare participation data.
The Center for Immigration Studies reported that in 2021, 53.5 percent of immigrant-headed households were involved in at least one major welfare program. The report identified a 14.5 percentage-point gap between immigrant and U.S.-born households, with the latter participating at a rate of 39 percent.
Among non-citizen households—which include legal permanent residents and undocumented immigrants—the participation rate was found to be 58.6 percent. Additionally, the report highlighted that 59.4 percent of households headed by illegal immigrants accessed at least one welfare program, reflecting higher rates compared to the U.S.-born population.
Founded in 1985, the Center for Immigration Studies is an independent nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C., focusing on immigration's economic, social, and fiscal impacts on the United States. The center describes itself as "low-immigration, pro-immigrant" and is known for publishing data-driven analyses and policy reports.
