Racial Equity and Health Policy

As one of his first actions, President Trump signed executive orders revoking federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility related programs and actions in the federal government and among federal contractors and grantees.

This explainer examines the potential impacts on racial and ethnic disparities in health of the elimination of diversity and disparities-related initiatives under the Trump administration.

KFF focus groups with immigrant families during the first Trump administration found that restrictive immigration policies led to increased fears among immigrant families across immigration statuses. That had negative effects on health and well-being and led to reluctance to seek health care and enroll in programs for which lawfully present immigrants were eligible. Mass deportations could also negatively affect health care and other industries by depriving them of workers.

Also:
Key Facts on Health Care Use and Costs Among Immigrants
Key Facts on Health Coverage of Immigrants

This interactive timeline explores how history has shaped racial and ethnic health disparities and the lasting effects that persist to this day.

The timeline describes major U.S. federal policies and events since the early 1800s that are linked to present-day health disparities. It also covers policies that impact health coverage and access to care, medicine, and social and economic policies that influence health as well as efforts to tackle inequalities.