Migration & Health: Mexican Immigrants in the US, A 10-Year Perspective

This report describes the ten-year trends in the demography, health risks, access to health care, and health status of immigrants from Mexico, Central America, and elsewhere. Co-authored by Center associate director, Steven P. Wallace, PhD, and others, the report profiles immigrant demographic and health insurance characteristics in 2004 and 2013 using U.S. Current Population Survey data, their health behaviors and health status using the National Health Interview Survey, and fertility and mortality patterns using vital statistics. It provides unique information on Mexican immigrants in the U.S. by their years in the country, gender, and other relevant characteristics. The data document the slowing growth of recent immigrants from Mexico, their declining fertility, overall better health, and areas of disadvantage including access to health insurance and health care as well as high rates of obesity and diabetes. The report is unique in combining data sources on health-related characteristics of Mexican and Central American immigrants in the U.S. The production of this report was made possible through the binational collaboration of the National Population Council of Mexico (CONAPO), the Secretary of Health of Mexico, and the University of California.

• Xochitl Castaneda
• Steven P. Wallace, PhD
• et al