Could “Acculturation” Effects be Explained by Latent Health Disadvantages among Mexican Immigrants?

Abstract

This paper tests portions of a new theory of immigrant health by focusing exclusively on latent biomarkers of future health risks. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988–1994 – we uncover the typically observed immigrant health advantage among recent immigrants that diminishes among long-term immigrants. In addition, we observe worse health among U.S.-born Mexican Americans relative to non-Hispanic Whites. Finally, although our theory suggests that recent immigrants may have latent health risks due to disadvantaged childhood experiences, we do not find evidence in support of this theory.