Authors discuss the intertwining of immigration policy and public health, emphasizing the need for frameworks linking the two. The article highlights how immigration policies directly influence the health of immigrant populations, often resulting in stigma, discrimination, and stress, which are known to impact health negatively. There's a distinction made between federal immigration laws and state-level immigrant policies. The cyclical nature of anti-immigrant policies is explored, showcasing historical shifts and their impact on immigrant rights. Despite exclusionary trends, efforts by immigrant rights advocates at various levels have sought to expand rights and protections for immigrants. The racialization of immigrants in policy debates is discussed, along with its effects on different racial/ethnic groups.

The article concludes by framing immigrant policies as social determinants of health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive analysis across sectors and historical contexts, while also recognizing the agency of immigrants and their communities in policy advocacy.