Immigrant Child Health

Immigrant Child Health Overview  

​Immigrant families are racially and ethnically diverse, and immigrate for variety of reasons that may include seeking economic opportunity, reuniting with family, fleeing war or violence. 

Pediatricians can play a special role in supporting the health and well-being of immigrant children in the United States. By recognizing the unique challenges and strengths that many immigrants experience; pediatricians can identify effective practice strategies and relevant resources that support health within the community.

Children in Immigrant Families: Key Facts

Definitions and Demographics 

Children in immigrant families (CIF) are defined as children who are either foreign-born or have at least 1 parent who is foreign-born. Immigrant children are those born outside the United States to non-US citizen parents. One in every 4 children in the United States are CIF, representing a growing and ever more diverse US demographic that pediatric medical providers nationwide will increasingly encounter in clinical care. Immigrant children and CIF reside in all 50 states. 

 ​Access to Health Care and Health Status 

• CIF are less likely to have a usual source of medical care and to obtain specialty care when needed. 
• CIF who are foreign-born may not have received adequate screenings or immunizations in their home country. 

Socioeconomic Factors 

• CIF can face barriers to accessing programs and benefits that support low income children. 
• Many CIF have less access to quality early education programs and are less likely to be enrolled in preschool programs, such as Head Start. 

 Unique Stressors/Family Separation 

• Many CIF live in a family with a parent who faces the threat of deportation without notice or preparation. 
• Children whose parents have been taken into custody/deported may demonstrate a number of health problems including anxiety, depression, poor school performance, sleeping and eating disruptions. 
• Forced separations due to immigration enforcement can also result in the loss of family income and have been shown to result in family housing and food instability. 
• Children who have crossed the border to enter the United States as well as children who are refugees may have experienced abuse, exploitation, and/ serious trauma. 

Professional Tools and Resources

The following resources are designed to help you care for immigrant children.