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Summary
Mortality rates for foreign-born Americans have reversed. Previously higher in the early 1900s, foreign-born mortality is now significantly lower than for native-born Americans, according to 1980 data.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Historically, foreign-born populations in the United States exhibited higher mortality rates compared to native-born individuals during the early 20th century.
- This disparity was a recognized public health and demographic concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changing relationship between nativity and mortality in the United States.
- To document the reversal of the historical mortality-nativity gradient.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mortality data comparing foreign-born and native-born (white) populations.
- Utilizing data from the first half of the twentieth century and comparative data from 1980.
Main Results:
- In the early 20th century, foreign-born Americans experienced greater mortality than native-born Americans.
- By 1980, a significant reversal was observed, with foreign-born Americans exhibiting markedly lower mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- The mortality-nativity relationship in the United States has undergone a substantial reversal over the 20th century.
- Contemporary data indicates a survival advantage for foreign-born populations compared to native-born populations.