Question

Social Distribution of Health and Illness: Immigration What is the “Latino Paradox”? Why does this matter? After reading Derose et al (2007) article, why are immigrants considered a vulnerable population when it comes to health and health care? Please provide a minimum of two examples discussed in the article. Are immigrants eligible for public funded health care (Medicaid, Medicare)? Does this vary by immigration status (undocumented, naturalized citizens, legal residents, etc.)? How do you think this impacts immigrants’ health? Please look up the views, both for and against, funding healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Why are people arguing against this? Why are people arguing for this? Now that you have briefly researched this issue, it is important to start forming your own opinion of current debates. Do you think undocumented immigrants should have access to taxpayer-funded health care (Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, etc.)? Why or why not? Choose one immigrant population to research. This may either be by country of origin or immigration status (undocumented, documented, etc.). Research their experience of health. Which immigrant population did you decide to research? What are their physical health outcomes? What are their mental health outcomes? Do they experience any barriers to accessing or receiving health care in the U.S. (such as insurance, etc.)? Explain.

Answer 1

Latino paradox refers to the finding that Hispanic and latino Americans have health outcomes paradoxically comparable to those of their US non-hispanic white counter parts.

As per Derose et al article, immigrants do not have adequate access to healthcare because of the discrimination and policies existing in the country. Examples provided were 7% of German immigrants lacked health insurance in 1997. Disparities are greater for some subgroups such as noncitizen Mexicans reported having no regular source of care compared to their naturalized counterparts. This clearly shows that disparity varies based on the immigration status.

Regarding the undocumented immigrants, people argue that they access to the tax payers funds for free while others say that, all humans deserve healthcare.

In my opinion, undocumented immigrants should also receive healthcare. They should be actioned legally for their undocumented status but their healthcare should not suffer as a result of their immigration status.