Abstract
Using data from a 1996/1997 survey of undocumented Latino immigrants in four sites, we examine reasons for coming to the United States, use of health care services, and participation in government programs. We find that undocumented Latinos come to this country primarily for jobs. Their ambulatory health care use is low compared with that of all Latinos and all persons nationally, and their rates of hospitalization are comparable except for hospitalization for childbirth. Almost half of married undocumented Latinos have a child who is a U.S. citizen. Excluding undocumented immigrants from receiving government-funded health care services is unlikely to reduce the level of immigration and likely to affect the well-being of children who are U.S. citizens living in immigrant households.
Highlights
MINORITY HEALTH tion and likely to affect the well-being of children who are U.S citizens living in immigrant households
To develop a more comprehensive understanding of the relevant policy issues and, at the same time, use resources efficiently, representative samples of undocumented Latino immigrants were identified in four major communities in two of the states with highest concentrations of undocumented immigrants: Houston and El Paso (Texas) and Fresno and Los Angeles (California).[12]
Our results indicate that in 1996 undocumented Latino immigrants in Fresno, Los Angeles, and Houston were about evenly divided between males and females, while in El Paso females outnumbered males two to one (Exhibit 1)
Summary
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first health-related survey to use probability sampling and in-person interviewing to survey undocumented immigrants.[9]. Only one person per family unit was sampled, the statistical design ensures that overall estimates (of demographic characteristics, health care use, and other parameters) are representative of the study population. Comparisons to the overall U.S population and the total Latino population in the United States are made for some estimates using the 1994 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) These estimates are weighted to be nationally representative of persons captured in that sampling frame (that is, the U.S civilian, noninstitutionalized population). They could include persons in this country illegally but do not contain any information on immigration status. EXHIBIT 1 Sociodemographic Characteristics Of Undocumented Latino Immigrants In Four U.S Cities, 1996–1997
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
