US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is introducing a ban on migrants receiving public assistance from sending money out of the country.
The measure is part of an effort to combat the misuse of federal social security benefits by Somalis in Minnesota, where certain banks are suspected of money laundering. Fraud amounting to billions has already been uncovered, carried out by Somalis in the state.
Among other things, Bessent is concerned that the Somali community is sending money back to their home country to fund terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab.
In an interview with Fox News, Bessent said:
“If you transfer money out of the country, one of two things must be true: either you are receiving too much money and your benefits will have to be cut, or you are part of this conspiracy. Where did the money come from? We’re going to find out.
From now on, anyone transferring money via one of these money transfer companies must tick a box to indicate whether they are receiving public benefits. And if you receive state benefits, we will start putting pressure on you to prevent you from sending money out of the country.
The Ministry of Finance will use all available means to put a stop to this serious and uncontrolled fraud and hold the perpetrators to account.
🚨 JUST IN: Sec. Scott Bessent is now moving to BAN anyone receiving government assistance from transferring money out of the country after Somali fraudsters were caught in Minnesota
«If you’re sending money abroad, you’re either getting TOO MUCH or you’re part of this CONSPIRACY! We’re going to find out!»
“Our generosity has been TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF!” 💯
“From now on, anyone who wires money out from one of these money service businesses has to tick a box stating whether they are on public assistance.”
«And if you are on public assistance, we are going to start pushing for a ban on sending money out of the country.»
— QUANTUM GUARD ™️ (@QuantumGuard17) 11 November 2026
Bessent emphasises that as long as one can prove where the money comes from, one can still send money out of the country legally, writes Reuters.
According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the US economy loses at least 200 billion dollars a year in the form of money transfers abroad. This figure is likely even higher now, as the latest reliable bilateral figures were published in 2021.
