Immigration and Health

Region of Nativity and psychosocial adaptation.

Central and Latin America.: Latino immigrants to the US  are the least likely to earn a decent living wage ( Table 1 ). Depressive symptoms were compared between 3 Latino groups.( i) Mexicans living in Mexico (ii) Mexican immigrants in the San Francisco area (iii)Puerto Ricans living in Puerto Rico.  The level of depression ( determined using the Spanish Version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale , CES-D) were significantly higher than in other Latino samples and among US Whites. Mexican American immigrants reported the highest level of the symptoms of depression ^1.  The stress associated with acculturation or assimilation to the American life-style ( with values in conflict with norms of the region of nativity)  has been reported to contribute to depression and even thoughts of committing suicide (suicidal ideation) among Mexican immigrants. ². The study further revealed that the severity of depression among the Mexican immigrants is determined by family support, religiosity, agreement with the decision to migrate and the expectations for the future. Mexican immigrants  with difficulty in adjusting to the American way of life, are at a greater risk of depression and suicide ². It is likely, that English-language communications problems, poverty, educational limitations also contribute. Older Mexicans may have an even higher frequency of depression.

    In a study of depression  among older Hispanics, 25.6% of the total of 2,823 subjects had depressive symptoms ( 17.3% - in men , and 31.9% in women)³. Generally, lack of health insurance, financial strain, chronic health conditions were associated with the depression. Cultural factors associated with increased risk of depression were immigrant status, recency of immigration and level of acculturation. There was a gender –immigrant interaction, such that female Mexican immigrants had a higher frequency of depression than US born –Hispanics.

    Gender differences in post-immigration depression have also been reported in 1,062 Russian –Jewish migrants to Israel ^4. The aggregate level of psychological stress, depression , anxiety and obsessive symptoms were higher in the women in that study. In women , the higher frequency may be related to family problems, inappropriate climactic conditions, poor health and uncertainty in the present life situation ^4. Stress-protective factors for men ( which reduces their anxiety level) are  having several reasons for immigration, commitment to host country, and job-adequacy ⁴. Thus, immigrant women , in particular should be surveyed and be a focus of counseling owing to their greater propensity for post-immigration depression. The recent attention to illegal immigrants or “undocumented aliens” has put a  further strain on the immigrant- Native interaction, which is most apparent with Latinos. It is estimated that 500,000 new undocumented immigrants enter the US annually, and that the total figure is between 8-12 million people. ⁵.  The Latino immigrants seem to have a sense of entitlement to America, and emphasize their impact on the American economy. The majority of Americans who are  opposed to Illegal  immigration, appear to do so on the basis of the principle of fairness and abiding by the law, fear of terrorism and gang –orchestrated crime, and the burden of an increasing immigrant population on the tax payers for social services. However, proponents of open borders also allege racial discrimination . Careful and humane  congressional handling  and legislation to exact monetary punishment/fines on those who entered the US without the required documentation, coupled with  a category-by category examination of the immigrants economic and social contribution to the  USA, and deportation of felons, will be the focal points on which an amicable and just resolution can be found to this stressful issue. < body="">