Introduction
The immigrants in the US are a fraction of the population, which is seriously affected by the lack of available medical help. This leads to deterioration in mental in physical health and results in deaths.
The Essence of the Problem
The ability to access adequate medical services in neighborhoods and communities seriously impacts the health state. Health disparities influence people with chronic conditions, for example, cancer, obesity, or cardiovascular diseases. Poverty can lead a person to exposure to various diseases or chronic conditions from early childhood. These disadvantages mainly occur among the representatives of minorities. Because the foreign-born population of the US comprises about 14%, immigrants conduct a large share of the country’s population.
The History of the Immigration in the US
Since the 17th century, Northern American colonies have been home to various ethnicities, who contributed to creating a uniquely American identity. There were several waves of immigration into the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. Many immigrants of various origins immigrate to the country every year. However, nowadays, they are being suppressed harder than ever before.
Is the Problem That Serious?
Yes, it is. In 2017, about 30 million people did not have health insurance, and over 3 million of them were underage children. Low income and stigmatization in American society often leave immigrants without any access to proper medical treatment. Life in a new country is usually related to stress, depression, and homesickness. Coupled with widespread denial of mental illnesses in the immigrant community, this draws a grim picture of what is happening.
Stigmatization
Nowadays, many political agendas and speeches are headed toward anti-immigrant propaganda. The xenophobic approach often leads to the criminalization of people of color. For example, immigrants of Hispanic/Mexican origins often face quite an unwelcoming approach. The anti-immigrant stigmatization can even sometimes appear among medical personnel, who are less likely to provide adequate medical aid to a distinctive person of color.
Deportation
Deportation is another factor, which negatively impacts a person’s health. A deported immigrant is forcefully taken back to a country he left for a particular reason (e.g., high rates of crime/poverty/unemployment). An individual’s mental and physical health may be seriously affected as a result of this process.
Anti-immigrant Policies
In the US, immigrants are mostly deprived of basic medical help, which can and must be provided by federal authorities. They cannot gain access to so-called “health resources” (education, working places, social aid), even though they contribute around $12 billion to the country’s yearly budget.
Research Project and Its Main Goals
R01 Research Project aims to “design and implement effective interventions to enhance health advantages and reduce health disparities among U.S. immigrant populations.”
Goals:
- To improve health care among 1st generation immigrants
- To address the problem of stigmatization and mental issues related to it
- To utilize various means to overcome language barriers
- To constantly monitor data on health disparities
- To develop culturally appropriate health promotion strategies
- To support grit and resilience during the experience of immigration
References
Addressing health disparities among immigrant populations through effective interventions (R01 clinical trial optional). (November 17, 2020). Department of Health and Human Services. Web.
Chang, C. D. (2018). Social determinants of health and health disparities among immigrants and their children. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care.
Hamilton, E. R., Hale, J. M., & Savinar, R. (2018). Immigrant legal status and health: Legal status disparities in chronic conditions and musculoskeletal pain among mexican-born farm workers in the United States. Demography.
Morey, B. N. (2018). Mechanisms by which anti-immigrant stigma exacerbates racial/ethnic health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 108(4), 460–463.