Position Statement on COVID-19, Immigration Status, and Child and Family Well-being

Introduction

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the U.S. economy and the everyday lives of families and individuals. Immigrants and their U.S.-born children number approximately 90 million, accounting for 28% of the overall U.S. population in 2018 (Batalova et al., 2020). During the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration status continues to shape families’ and children’s health and well-being. Very often, an immigrant family is comprised of members with varying immigration status such that, for example, the child may be U.S.-born citizen and the parents are lawfully-present or undocumented immigrants (Batalova et al., 2020). Research consistently shows that immigration status—including the mixed statuses within households—is an essential determinant of insurance coverage, healthcare usage and quality, eligibility for means-tested relief programs and services, and overall health and well-being (Fortuny & Chaudry, 2011; Huang et al., 2006).

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See also our Fact Sheet on COVID-19, Immigration Status, and Child and Family Well-being.