By: Hiren Gandhi
In early 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump shared a chart showing the percentage of immigrant households receiving government welfare benefits in the United States, classified by country of origin. This chart, widely circulated through official and public channels, sparked intense global discussion—not only because of the countries listed with high welfare usage, but also because of one important country that was not prominently present: India.
This absence is not a coincidence. It reflects the economic strength, professional quality, and self-reliant nature of Indian immigrants in the United States.
According to the chart shared, several countries showed high percentages of immigrant households receiving government assistance. Bhutan topped the list with over 81%, followed by Yemen at about 75%, Somalia at nearly 72%, and Armenia at over 60%. Bangladesh showed approximately 55%, Ukraine around 43%, Pakistan about 40%, and countries like China, Nigeria, and Nepal were in the range of 30% to 35%.
However, India did not appear among the major welfare-dependent countries. This is a very significant point and deserves careful economic and strategic interpretation.
The primary reason behind this is the nature of Indian migration to the United States. Unlike many other regions, Indian immigrants largely move to the United States through employment-based visa programs. These include highly skilled professionals in sectors such as information technology, medicine, engineering, finance, and business management. Most Indian immigrants enter with secured employment, professional qualifications, and a clear economic purpose.
As a result, Indian-origin households are among the highest income-earning immigrant groups in the United States. Their dependence on government welfare programs is naturally very low because they are already financially stable and actively contributing to the economy.
Education is another major factor. Indian immigrants are among the most highly educated communities in America. A large percentage hold university degrees, professional certifications, and advanced technical qualifications. This enables them to secure stable, well-paying jobs and build financially independent lives.
It is also important to understand that welfare statistics often reflect household-level data, which may include benefits accessed by U.S.-born children rather than immigrant earners themselves. Even then, Indian households show very low participation in welfare programs compared to many other immigrant groups.
From a policy perspective, the Trump administration has strongly emphasized the concept of self-sufficient immigration. Its focus has been on reducing improper welfare access and encouraging immigration based on skills, employment, and economic contribution. In this context, Indian immigrants naturally align with this model, as they are primarily employment-driven and economically productive.
The broader implication of India’s absence from the welfare-dependent list is extremely positive. It reinforces India’s global reputation as a source of highly skilled, disciplined, and economically responsible human capital. Indian professionals have played a major role in building America’s technology sector, healthcare system, financial industry, and startup ecosystem.
This reality strengthens India’s global economic image and credibility. It demonstrates that Indian migration is driven by contribution, not dependency.
In conclusion, India’s absence from the immigrant welfare recipient list is a reflection of the strength, professionalism, and self-reliance of its people. Indian immigrants have proven themselves to be contributors to economic growth rather than dependents on government systems. This not only enhances the reputation of the Indian diaspora but also strengthens India’s strategic and economic standing globally.
Secretary — InGlobal Business Foundation (IBF)
Director — ReNis Agro International LLP, Ahmedabad, India
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