Social Determinants of Health and Health Disparities Among Immigrants and their Children

In 2017, the United States (U.S.) foreign-born population was estimated to be 44.5 million, the highest share since 1910. It is unclear how many undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., but estimates in 2014 determined that there were at least 12.1 million. The immigrant population, particularly undocumented immigrants, has consistently been affected negatively by social determinants of health such as poverty, food and housing insecurity, lack of educational attainment, and challenges with health care access. Additionally, they face stigma and marginalization, difficulties with acculturation, and fear of deportation. Given these challenges that immigrants and their children face, physicians have a responsibility of assessing these social determinants of health and providing comprehensive care for this population.