14 - Health and Alternatives to Healthcare for Mexican Immigrants in New York

Summary

This chapter discusses healthcare alternatives for Mexican immigrants, based on combined sources that include interviews with immigrants, epidemiological studies, and the official US Census. The author focuses on the Hispanic paradox and highlights the testimony of immigrants about their healthcare situations. She finds that as immigrants acculturate to the American way of life, they also experience a change in dietary habits, with an increase in weight, obesity, and diabetes, which is the fifth cause of death among Latinos living in the United States. This negative outcome may be more acute for undocumented immigrants, who suffer stress, depression, harsh living conditions, traumatic events, and lack of opportunities that affect their health. The author reviews changes in healthcare affordability that came into being with the Affordable Care Act and how those benefits are being eroded under the Trump administration, with conflicting views between documented and undocumented immigrants. Finally, the author explores holistic approaches to healthcare that are culturally based and trusted by many immigrants.