Trump released comprehensive welfare data on his Truth Social platform, presenting information on immigrant households from approximately 120 countries and territories receiving government assistance in the United States. The chart detailed the percentage of immigrant households from each country receiving some form of government assistance, though it did not specify the exact type or duration of assistance included in the data.

Notable Exclusions and Inclusions

The chart notably excluded India despite including other South Asian nations with significant welfare usage rates. Bangladesh led South Asian countries with 54.8% of immigrant households receiving assistance, followed by Pakistan at 40.2% and Nepal at 34.8%. The data also included China at 32.9%, Israel/Palestine at 25.9%, Ukraine at 42.7%, and Asia (not elsewhere classified/not specified) at 38.8%.

Top Countries by Welfare Usage

The data revealed the countries with the highest percentage of immigrant households receiving welfare assistance:

India's Absence from the Chart

India's exclusion from the chart appears to stem from a cutoff threshold, with the data identifying nations where immigrant aid consumption exceeded approximately 25%. Public research conducted over many years has consistently shown that Indian immigrants in the United States earn among the highest incomes of any ethnic group. They maintain high workforce participation rates and demonstrate minimal reliance on public assistance programs.

Indian Immigrant Demographics and Economic Impact

According to US Census Bureau estimates, approximately 5.2 million people in the United States identified as Indian in 2023. The Pew Research Centre reported in 2025 that Indian Americans represent the second-largest Asian origin population living in the US, accounting for approximately 21% of the country's Asian population.

Indian immigrants play a significant role in the US economy as substantial contributors to income tax revenues. They have been instrumental in founding or co-founding a large share of startups in Silicon Valley, demonstrating their entrepreneurial impact on the American business landscape.

Economic Benefits Analysis

A recent study published by the Manhattan Institute identified Indian immigrants as the most economically beneficial immigrant group in the country. Daniel Di Martino, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, stated that "The average Indian immigrant and his or her descendants will save the federal government $1.7 million over 30 years." This research underscores the substantial positive fiscal impact of Indian immigration to the United States.

Indian exporters across multiple sectors are confronting an urgent January deadline to secure US orders for the upcoming summer season, as prolonged trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington threaten to disrupt critical business cycles. The ongoing 50% US tariffs imposed since August have already severely impacted India's labor-intensive export sectors, forcing companies to implement production cuts and worker layoffs.

Immediate Impact on Export Sectors

The punitive tariffs continue to devastate India's key export industries, particularly textiles, handicrafts, apparels, gems, and leather goods. Rafeeque Ahmed, chairman of Farida Group, one of India's largest shoemakers, identified January 15 as the critical cutoff date for securing bulk US orders to ensure stable revenue for summer and autumn seasons. His Tamil Nadu-based company, which derives 60% of export revenue from American markets and supplies to brands like Cole Haan and Clarks, has been forced to cut production by 20-25% and lay off workers.

Sector-Specific Performance Decline

US government trade data reveals significant import reductions across key Indian export categories. Apparel imports dropped 12% to $376.00 million in September compared to the previous year, while rug imports fell 10% to $98.40 million over the same period. Gautam Nair, director of Matrix Design, an apparel manufacturer near New Delhi, warned that failure to secure a deal quickly would impact April-August shipping and holiday seasons, making the first half a "complete washout."

Adaptation Strategies and Market Diversification

Facing sustained pressure, exporters are implementing various survival strategies. Tiruppur-based R.K. Sivasubramaniam, whose firm produces basics like underwear, has cut production by 50% since August and plans US visits in January to scout new buyers. Home-decor maker Vijay Sethi from Sethi Handicrafts has lost several American clients despite offering discounts up to 20%, with his company deriving 40% of revenue from US sales of wooden furniture and coasters.

Gems and jewelry exporters are experimenting with costly workarounds, including establishing US subsidiaries and shifting manufacturing to countries like the UAE, where duties are approximately 15%. According to Sabyasachi Ray, executive director of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, these adaptations have "taken a toll" on business operations.

Government Response and Trade Negotiations

Despite multiple rounds of talks, including four conversations between Trump and Prime Minister Modi since August, slow progress has pressured the rupee and forced New Delhi to allocate $5.00 billion to protect Indian exporters. The government has also announced a ₹7,295 crore export package to improve exporters' access to credit.

As part of diversification efforts, India has recently forged new free trade alliances with New Zealand, Oman, and the UK, while continuing negotiations with the EU, Australia, Chile, and Peru. Major apparel suppliers including Raymond Lifestyle Ltd. and Gokaldas Exports Ltd. are considering relocating production to African countries where tariffs can be as low as 10%, with Gokaldas operating four factories in Kenya and one in Ethiopia.