The legal status of Nicki Minaj has ignited a heated discussion online, raising questions about her citizenship in the United States. Although she has lived in the country since the age of five, recent comments by the rapper have led to widespread speculation and calls for her deportation, particularly following her vocal support for former President Donald Trump and current Vice President JD Vance.
This debate intensified after celebrity gossip columnist Perez Hilton addressed Minaj’s citizenship in a TikTok video. He highlighted the irony of Minaj’s political stance while noting that she has lived in the U.S. for over 35 years without obtaining citizenship. Hilton asserted, “She’s not a U.S. citizen,” prompting many to question how she has managed her immigration status throughout her career.
During a TikTok Live session in September 2024, Minaj confirmed her status, stating, “I’m not a citizen of America. Isn’t that crazy?” She expressed frustration over her situation, arguing that her substantial tax contributions should have entitled her to an “honorary citizenship.” “You would think that with the millions of dollars that I’ve paid in taxes to this country, that I would have been given an honorary citizenship many, many, many thousands of years ago,” she added.
Despite her lack of citizenship, Minaj proudly identifies as a Trinidadian, emphasizing her heritage by stating, “I was born on a beautiful island called Trinidad and Tobago.” Her revelation surprised many fans who believed her contributions to the country warranted a blue passport. Reports indicate that Minaj is likely a lawful permanent resident, commonly known as a green card holder, allowing her to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, although it does not confer voting rights or eligibility for certain government positions.
Minaj’s situation is not unique among artists in the U.S. Notably, Rihanna, who hails from Barbados, also remains a non-U.S. citizen and has no plans to change her status. However, following her recent political endorsements, Minaj faces intensified scrutiny and allegations of being an illegal immigrant. Critics on social media have called for her deportation, with one TikTok user defending her by stating, “Minaj did the process the way you’re supposed to do it.”
An online petition seeking to deport Minaj back to Trinidad and Tobago has already amassed over 20,000 signatures. The petition urges U.S. immigration officials to reassess her residency status based on what it describes as her “harmful rhetoric.” This backlash followed Minaj’s appearance at the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, where she made controversial remarks about gender roles while on stage with Charlie Kirk‘s widow, Erika Kirk.
As discussions surrounding Minaj’s citizenship and her political affiliations continue to unfold, the impact on her career and public perception remains to be seen. The intersection of celebrity culture and immigration issues has sparked a broader conversation about the complexities of citizenship in the modern age, particularly for high-profile figures like Minaj.
