Hispanic children in states with anti-immigrant laws have poorer health

By FYH News Team

Published on August 16, 2023

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A study published in the medical journal Pediatrics found that Hispanic immigrant children who live in states with more anti-immigrant laws and policies are more likely to suffer from chronic physical or mental illness and face greater disparities in access to healthcare.

The researchers analyzed data from the National Children’s Health Survey from 2016 to 2020. They studied 17,855 Hispanic children aged 3 to 17. The results showed that nearly 30% were living below the federal poverty line, and more than half were from immigrant families.

The researchers assessed the level of discrimination in a US state, taking into account immigrant policies, including health care, employment, and access to rental housing, driver’s licenses, and higher education. In addition, they included bias against Hispanics using data from the US National Election Survey.

More diseases in Hispanic children

The study found that Hispanic children who live in states with these immigrant policies and attitudes are 1.13 times more likely to have one chronic physical health condition and 1.24 times more likely to have multiple mental health conditions.

The interviewed caregivers provided information about the children’s physical and mental health issues, including allergies, asthma, blood disorders, diabetes and heart disease, as well as behavioral problems, depression and anxiety.

“This study highlights the importance of addressing the impact of state laws on health, as well as the impact of public opinion that perpetuates racist and/or anti-immigrant sentiment, all of which affect access to opportunities and resources that promote healthy development.” the authors of the study described in the report.

Anti-immigrant policies that endanger health

Dr. Natalia Jimenez, an associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, said that at the societal level, the study “provides more evidence that immigrant policy is health policy.”

A recent US Census study found that a quarter of the country’s children are of Hispanic origin.

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