ANSWER
Discussion Post: Undocumented Immigrants in the United States: A Vulnerable Population
Due to their fear of deportation, lack of access to health care, and unstable economic situation, undocumented immigrants in the US are a particularly vulnerable group. An estimated 11.4 million undocumented immigrants lived in the United States as of 2021, making up roughly 3.5% of the population (Pew Research Center, 2021). Although there are people from a variety of backgrounds in this group, Latin America, Asia, and Africa are heavily represented.
Undocumented immigrants frequently encounter significant obstacles while trying to obtain medical care. Because they are not eligible for government programs like Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, many people do not have health insurance. Additionally, even in life-threatening circumstances, they are deterred from obtaining medical attention because to fear of deportation. These difficulties are made worse by discrimination, limited health literacy, and language limitations (Berk & Schur, 2020).
Because of delayed care and a lack of preventative services, this population has poor health outcomes, including increased incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions are common and frequently associated with social isolation, trauma, and financial difficulties.
When it comes to advocating for this group, public health nurses can be quite important. Through collaboration with neighborhood organizations, they can offer culturally appropriate instruction and materials, make free or inexpensive clinics accessible, and push for legislative changes that advance health equity. By fostering trust through multilingual services and community outreach initiatives, obstacles can be removed and undocumented immigrants can be empowered to put their health first.
Citations
Schur, C. L., and Berk, M. L. (2020). the effect of worry and dread on undocumented immigrants’ ability to receive health care. 169–177 in Health Affairs, 19(4). 10.1377/hlthaff.19.4.169 (10.doi.org)
Center for Pew Research. (2021). U.S. Immigrant Facts, 2021. This link: https://www.pewresearch.org
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QUESTION
Identify a specific vulnerable population in the United States or from another country. Explain why the population is considered vulnerable. Include the demographic statistics, access to health care, barriers to care, supporting information, and the challenges to health and wellness. How can the public health nurse advocate and support this vulnerable population?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.