Really? Name a few. Who would actually take you as a citizen. I will wait.
@Jarod's claim is a significant exaggeration. There are not "about 100 countries" where an American could realistically relocate and access meaningfully
better welfare and public assistance as a newcomer.
While many countries (especially in Europe) have more generous
citizen-focused social safety nets than the US in areas like universal healthcare, unemployment benefits, or family support, accessing them as a non-citizen/immigrant involves major barriers.
Key Realities on Welfare Generosity
- Spending comparisons: OECD data shows several European countries spend far more of GDP on public social expenditure (e.g., France/Italy ~30%+, Nordic countries 25%+, vs. US public spending lower but with substantial private spending). The US ranks lower in public social spending share but higher when including private benefits.
- Countries with stronger public systems often include comprehensive healthcare, paid parental leave, housing support, and unemployment aid. The US emphasizes work-based programs (e.g., Social Security, Medicare for elderly/disabled, targeted aid like SNAP/Medicaid) with more private elements.
However,
"better for an American moving there
" is different from "better for citizens."
Most generous welfare systems are restricted to citizens or long-term residents.
Only a small number of high-income countries have notably more expansive systems and pathways for Americans.
Americans need visas/residency (e.g., work, family, investment, or retirement visas). Many European countries require years of legal residency, contributions via taxes/work, or citizenship before full access. Undocumented or short-term stays offer little/none.
Generous benefits often come with high taxes and living costs.
Dual Italian-US citizenship significantly improves access to Italy's welfare and public assistance compared to non-citizens, but it is not automatic or unlimited.
Full benefits generally require establishing
residenza (official residency) in an Italian municipality, which involves registering your address with the local
Anagrafe (registry office). Once you have
residenza and register as a tax resident, you can get the
Tessera Sanitaria (health card). This provides access to public healthcare—doctor visits, hospitals, specialists, etc.—at very low or no cost (some co-pays based on income).
Social Assistance (e.g.,
Assegno di Inclusione or similar) benefits are means-tested and often require a period of residency in Italy (e.g., 5+ years in recent iterations, with stricter rules for non-contributors). Citizenship helps, but recent emigrants may face barriers if they don't meet income, asset, or continuous residency tests. These programs are not designed for immediate "welfare migration."
Residency triggers Italian tax residency (worldwide income reporting, though the US-Italy tax treaty helps avoid double taxation). High income taxes and social contributions apply if working.