Do Lebanese Nationals Rely Heavily on US Public Welfare Programs?

WASHINGTON – On Jan. 14, the State Department announced that it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Lebanon, claiming the nationals pose a “high risk” of relying on public welfare programs in the United States.

In a statement posted on X, the State Department said immigrants from the listed countries “take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates.” The statement also said that the pause, which will begin on Jan. 21, will “remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”

The measure builds upon previous immigration and travel bans imposed on nearly 40 countries and aligns with President Trump’s broader efforts to restrict entry into the United States. The suspension will not apply to applicants seeking temporary tourist or business visas, or other non-immigrant visas.

The justification for this suspension raises a key question: is there evidence that nationals from the 75 listed countries living in the US. rely disproportionately on public welfare programs?