Abstract | An ongoing concern in immigration research is the extent to which poor access to social and economic opportunities creates structural barriers to immigrants assimilation into the U.S. economy and society (Bean et al., 1994; Lee and Edmonston, 1994). Access to health insurance and health care is an important indicator of socioeconomic opportunity. Access to health care services, particularly for children, is important to ensure that acute and chronic conditions are diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, that health and development are adequately monitored, and that preventive services are provided as recommended (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1995). Without good access to primary medical care, acute conditions, such as middle-ear infections or streptococcus infections, can lead to chronic, often disabling, conditions. Without appropriate medical management, chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, may lead to life-threatening medical emergencies and may impose economic and social burdens on families and society. Without adequate access to preventive care, such as immunizations and well-baby/ child checkups, both chronic and acute conditions are more likely to occur, and developmental problems may go undiagnosed and untreated. All of these consequences may create additional barriers to successful adjustment by immigrants to their new society. |