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The Truth About Immigration: Welfare
Originally published in 2018, this fourth article in a five-part series remains relevant and includes updated sources and data
With all of Donald Trump’s hyperbole about migrants coming to the United States, it’s important to understand the truth that lies beneath the surface of his rhetoric. In this installment of “The Truth About Immigration,” we’ll examine the facts surrounding migrants and government assistance.
Recently, you may have heard about the amount of government assistance used by immigrants, both legal and illegal, upon arrival in the United States. It’s an argument many on the far-right fall back on when discussing immigration. As loud as they are about the issue, the statements made are mostly false and purely rhetorical.
Refugees normally receive some government assistance to help keep them going until they find employment. They include very little financial assistance, medical assistance based on necessity, employment preparation, job placement, and English language training. Benefits that are limited to about the first 8 months in the country or until they have found employment.
The costs of these benefits once ran about $500 million yearly. When compared to the $2 billion that Trump’s illegal and…
