An Analysis of Immigrant Health Resources in the United States

Throughout the ever-changing history of immigrants in the US, one thing has been common—the lack of health resources and structure to provide access to healthcare for immigrants. Recently, there have been some efforts to provide for immigrants’ needs, such as interpreter services and clinics for immigrant farmers; however, these programs have several shortfalls and do not resolve the issue. The illusion of services and lack of support can end up harming immigrants even further by eroding trust and diverting public attention away from immigrants’ health care needs. Despite immigrants having healthier status at the point of entry, their health declines over the time of residing within the United States. Some barriers to health among immigrants include: time and cost, language barrier, discrimination, cultural differences, lack of trust in healthcare providers and local authorities, and location and access. Immigrant health status also varies by age, education, gender, socioeconomic status, acculturation, legal status, and residing community. Immigrant health can impact overall society with high healthcare expenditures due to the need for specialty care. There are potential interventions that can help reduce these barriers like building partnerships, working with religious and cultural associations to build a support system, providing more bilingual staff, and educating immigrant communities on resources available.Master of Public Healt