Immigration Policies and the Health of Immigrant Families

Recent immigration enforcement activities and policies are creating significant challenges for immigrant families in the United States, impacting their economic stability, access to healthcare and overall well-being. These effects extend not only to undocumented immigrants but similarly to lawful permanent residents and U.S. Citizens within immigrant families.

Economic Hardships and Healthcare Access

A recent survey indicates that over half (52%) of immigrant parents report it has become more difficult to earn a living since January 2025. 55% have struggled to afford essential needs like healthcare, housing, and food in the past year KFF. These challenges represent an increase compared to 2023, with rising difficulties in covering healthcare costs (from 22% to 42%), rent or mortgage payments (from 22% to 36%), and food expenses (from 21% to 32%).

Approximately one in five (22%) immigrant parents are uninsured, double the rate of those without children in the home (11%). About 15% report having at least one uninsured child, a figure that rises to 27% among likely undocumented parents and 22% among those with lower incomes or limited English proficiency.

Impact of Fears on Health and Well-being

Immigration-related fears are significantly impacting the health of both immigrant parents and their children. Nearly a quarter (27%) of immigrant parents report that their children have expressed worries about something terrible happening to the family due to their immigration status, rising to 60% among likely undocumented parents.

Almost half (47%) of immigrant parents have experienced negative health impacts – such as increased stress, anxiety, or sadness – due to these worries since January 2025. Around 18% report that their child’s well-being has been negatively affected, with impacts including sleep or eating problems, changes in school performance, and behavioral issues. These impacts are particularly pronounced among undocumented parents (46%), those with lower incomes (30%), and those with limited English proficiency (24%).

Delayed or Skipped Healthcare

Three in ten (30%) immigrant parents report that their children have missed, delayed, or skipped healthcare appointments in the past year due to immigration-related fears (14%), logistical challenges (13%), or cost/lack of insurance (12%). Even as rates are higher among undocumented parents (58%), a significant proportion of naturalized citizens (23%) and lawful permanent residents (26%) also report delayed care, with some citing immigration concerns as a factor.

One in five (20%) immigrant parents have personally avoided seeking medical care since January 2025 due to immigration-related concerns, double the rate of non-parents (9%). Increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at healthcare facilities, following policy reversals regarding “sensitive locations,” may exacerbate these fears and further discourage access to care AP News.

Historical Context of Family Separation

The current challenges build upon a history of family separation policies. During the Trump administration’s first term, over 5,000 children were separated from their families at the Mexico border PBS. While the current situation involves separations within the U.S. Due to deportations and detentions, the underlying impact on family well-being remains significant.

Looking Ahead

The health and well-being of immigrant families are inextricably linked to immigration policies and the broader social and economic environment. Addressing the economic hardships, fears, and access barriers faced by these families is crucial for promoting health equity and ensuring positive outcomes for all children, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.