The demographic growth of the United States in the past two decades is largely due to migrations from Latin America, particularly Mexico. Traditional theories maintain that newly arrived groups are at a disadvantage in comparison to those native to certain territory. Recent research, however, reveals otherwise. Despite economic and educational disadvantages, immigrants present better health rates than people born in the USA. This paper offers a brief summary of these studies along with possible explanations for the paradox, including the protective effect of the immigrant's culture, customs and social networks, or the different expectations, of immigrants on one hand and natives on the other, in terms of what it is to be «successful» in the North American environment. The high frequency of psychopathological disorders in the population that is born in the USA could also be related to a high recreational use of alcohol and drugs.

Health Immigration culture psychopathology

cultural anthropology human health status immigrant Review social support alcohol consumption mental health immigration drug abuse health care access