Immigrant health care in the U.S.

Overview
According to research done at the Urban Institute, the children of immigrants is the fastest growing segment of the child population. "Immigrant children will grow up to become a major segment of the US workforce in the coming years. Ensuring access to health services needed for proper growth and development should be a national priority."

"In one of the most comprehensive analyses to date on the costs and benefits of immigrants to the US economy, the National Research Council concluded that immigrants add as much as $10 billion to the economy each year and the immigrants will pay on average $80,000 per capita more in taxes than they use in government services over their lifetime."

In addition to managing physical, emotional, and family strains of immigration, these families find themselves in a social / political environment increasingly hostile to immigrants. Many families find it necessary for both parents to work one or more low wage, high risk jobs to meet basic economic needs, often placing women in the new role of family breadwinner. Many families lack insurance and are not able to afford preventative care which would keep them healthier and less likely to be in need of more expensive emergency services. Some families are hesitant to participate in community activities and access necessary services, as they are fearful of discovery.