When people in America are forced to live in fear because of their immigration status, their health and the health of our nation suffers.
Research shows that immigrant families often forgo needed health care and social services because they fear interactions with public agencies.
In an RWJF-supported study, authors examined factors that affect immigrants' vulnerability to inadequate health care, including socioeconomic background; immigration status; limited English proficiency; federal, state and local policies on access to publicly funded health care; residential location; and stigma and marginalization. The study concluded that, overall, immigrants have lower rates of health insurance, use less health care and receive lower quality of care than U.S.-born populations.
In addition, toxic stress associated with fear of deportation has been shown to have harmful effects on an individual’s long-term physical and mental health. Children are especially vulnerable to this type of trauma, which acts as a barrier to normal physical and mental development and health. Furthermore, fear of deportation has significant impact on uptake of non-medical services, such as food assistance, that are important to good health.
In connection with past and current programs focused on identifying barriers to good health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) continues to examine the impact of immigration status on health care and health. The below articles provide a sampling of analysis and research findings stemming from these efforts.
