Latinx Immigrant Health: Does Immigrants’ Perceptions of Integration Protect their Health?

Abstract

Restrictive immigration policies and enforcement practices are associated with poor health and mental health outcomes among Latinx immigrants. Over the last two decades, the state of California has enacted over 20 pro-integration immigration policies to protect and enhance the quality of life for immigrants. Accounting for the nested structure of immigration policy, this study examined the relationship between immigrants’ perceptions of integration and health. Participants originated primarily from Mexico ( N = 137). Hierarchical regression analysis was used to evaluate the contribution of variables in sequential blocks. While controlling for demographics, and immigration characteristics, we assessed the relationship between California immigration policy knowledge, perceived immigrant integration, threat of deportation, and two indicators of health—psychological distress and self-rated health. Perceived immigrant integration was associated with lower levels of psychological distress and better self-rated health. The threat of deportation was associated with a decline in self-rated health and higher levels of psychological distress. Policy advocacy and access to health care are needed to reduce the harmful effects of enforcement practices.