A new analysis by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) shows that 81 percent of Somali refugee-headed households in Minnesota use at least one form of taxpayer-funded welfare. The study, based on a decade of data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), highlights significant disparities between Somali refugees and native-born Minnesotans.
According to CIS researcher Jason Richwine: “Nearly every Somali household with children… receives some form of welfare.”
The report found that 81 percent of Somali refugee households in Minnesota rely on public assistance programs. This includes 27 percent receiving cash assistance, 54 percent using food stamps, and 73 percent enrolled in Medicaid. By contrast, only 21 percent of native-born Minnesotan households use welfare programs—six percent on cash aid, seven percent on food stamps, and 18 percent on Medicaid.
The gap is even larger among families with children. The study indicates that 89 percent of Somali-headed households with children rely on public assistance, compared to 30 percent of native-born households with children.
Beyond welfare use, the report reveals broader socioeconomic challenges in Minnesota’s Somali community. More than 66 percent live in or near poverty, nearly 60 percent have limited English proficiency, and 40 percent lack a high school diploma—figures that starkly contrast with native-born Minnesotans.
The data comes as Minnesota faces increasing federal scrutiny over alleged fraud involving state social programs. The U.S. Treasury Department has launched an investigation into claims that significant taxpayer money was improperly obtained through Somali-related Medicaid and welfare schemes involving networks of nonprofits and service providers.
Whistleblowers have also alleged that Governor Tim Walz (D) was informed of potential irregularities tied to the Feeding Our Future nonprofit as early as 2019 but failed to take sufficient action. Nearly 500 Minnesota state employees have accused the administration of disregarding warnings and retaliating against whistleblowers.
Federal Medicaid officials warn that Minnesota could risk losing funding without more aggressive oversight and corrective action. Throughout the controversy, Governor Walz has defended his state’s Somali community, stating: “Instead of demonizing our Somali community, we’re going to do more to welcome more in.”
