Population Research and Policy Review
Volume 30, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 399-418

Region of Birth and Disability Among Recent U.S. Immigrants: Evidence from the 2000 Census (Article)

Huang C.* , Mehta N.K. , Elo I.T. , Cunningham S.A. , Stephenson R. , Williamson D.F. , Narayan K.M.V.
  • a Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1599 Clifton Road, NE., 6404, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
  • b School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
  • c Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
  • d Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1599 Clifton Road, NE., 6404, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
  • e Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1599 Clifton Road, NE., 6404, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
  • f Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1599 Clifton Road, NE., 6404, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
  • g Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1599 Clifton Road, NE., 6404, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States

Abstract

This study aimed to test the "healthy immigrant" hypothesis and assess health heterogeneity among newly arrived working-age immigrants (18-64 years) from various regions of origin. Using the 5% sample of the 2000 U. S. Census (PUMS), we found that, compared with their native-born counterparts, immigrants from all regions of the world were less likely to report mental disability and physical disability. Immigrants from selected regions of origin were, however, more likely to report work disability. Significant heterogeneity in disabilities exists among immigrants: Those from Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia reported the highest risk of mental and physical disability, and those from East Asia reported the lowest risk of physical disability. Furthermore, Mexican immigrants reported the lowest risk of mental disability, and Canadian immigrants reported the lowest risk of work disability. Socioeconomic status and English proficiency partially explained these differences. The health advantage of immigrants decreased with longer U.S. residence. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Author Keywords

Region of birth Disability Duration of U.S. residence Immigration Health heterogeneity

Index Keywords

Birth Rate disability census socioeconomic status health risk United States immigrant population
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79955521919&doi=10.1007%2fs11113-010-9194-x&partnerID=40&md5=38ecea372b1d685b0bc0a9eac16cd8a1
DOI: 10.1007/s11113-010-9194-x
ISSN: 01675923
Cited by: 14
Original Language: English