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Immigrant Health

Key Facts

Key Facts on Health Coverage of Immigrants

As of 2023, there were 47.1 million immigrants residing in the U.S., including 22.4 million noncitizen immigrants and 24.7 million naturalized citizens, who each accounted for about 7% of the total population.

Noncitizen immigrants are more likely to be uninsured than citizens because they have more limited access to private coverage due to working in jobs that are less likely to provide health benefits. They also face eligibility restrictions for federally funded coverage options, including Medicaid, CHIP, the ACA marketplace and Medicare.

5 Key Facts About Immigrants and Medicaid

Children of Immigrants: Key Facts on Health Coverage and Care

Key Facts on Health Care Use and Costs Among Immigrants

The Role of Adult Children of Immigrants in the U.S. Health Care Workforce

Immigration Enforcement and Health

Potential Impacts of Mass Detention and Deportation Efforts on the Health and Well-Being of Immigrant Families

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.

Recent State Actions Impacting Immigrants’ Access to State-Funded Health Coverage

Policy Bars Many Immigrants from a Broad Range of Federal Health and Social Supports

Key Facts on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Health Implications of Immigration Policies Under a Second Trump Administration

Survey of Immigrants

Health and Health Care Experiences of Immigrants: The KFF/LA Times Survey of Immigrants

A KFF-Los Angeles Times partnership survey of immigrant adults, released in September 2023, shows most feel they found a better life for their families in this country, but many also face economic hardships and discrimination.

This report, drawing upon the main survey findings, shows how these challenges extend to health care. Many immigrants have difficulty accessing and using health care in the U.S. due to higher uninsured rates, affordability challenges, linguistic and cultural barriers, and immigration-related fears. The survey also shows the difficulties immigrants face in obtaining health coverage and underscores the role of coverage in access to care.

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  • Understanding the U.S. Immigrant Experience: The 2023 KFF/LA Times Survey of Immigrants

    Poll Finding

    The 2023 KFF/LA Times Survey of Immigrants - the largest nationally representative survey focused on this group - takes an in-depth look at the experiences of immigrants living in the U.S. in health care settings, in their homes, workplaces, and communities. The survey arises from a partnership between KFF and the Los Angeles Times.

  • Climate-Related Health Risks Among Workers: Who is at Increased Risk?

    Issue Brief

    Adults of color, noncitizens, and adults with lower educational attainment and incomes are disproportionately employed in occupations with increased climate-related health risks. Moreover, workers in occupations with increased climate-related health risks are more likely to be uninsured, contributing to challenges accessing health care.

  • Nearly Half of Those Likely Eligible for DACA are Uninsured

    News Release

    Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced a plan to expand eligibility for Medicaid and ACA Marketplace health coverage to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. A KFF analysis finds 47% of individuals likely eligible for DACA are uninsured compared to 10% of U.S. born individuals in their age group.

  • 2023 Update on Key Federal Immigration Policies and Implications for Health

    Issue Brief

    This issue brief provides the latest update on some key evolving immigration policies, including Title 42 as it applies to border enforcement, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and the public charge rule and discusses the implications of these policies for the health and well-being of immigrants.

  • Health and Health Care in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

    Issue Brief

    The four states along the U.S.-Mexico border are home to over 78 million people of whom 8 million live in 44 counties that adjoin the border and border activity is at an all-time high. KFF's county-level analysis of the region shows that people living in border states fare worse along socioeconomic and health access measures as compared to the rest of the U.S. and that people who live in border counties within these states, especially in Texas, face more challenges than those living in non-border counties. Understanding of who lives in the region and their experiences, including their health and access to health care, may help inform efforts to address their needs and improve socioeconomic and health outcomes in border areas.