Noncitizens Were Underrepresented in Welfare Fraud Convictions in 2024

David J. Bier

Welfare fraud cases in Minnesota involving some Somali immigrants have led to demands for broad immigration restrictions. Former Trump official Gene Hamilton, for instance, claims, “It’s not just from that particular country but from so many countries.” Welfare fraud is an issue that has received less attention than it deserves, and immigrants certainly participate. However, the most recent available data show that noncitizen immigrants are less likely than US citizens to commit and be convicted of welfare fraud.