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. 2012 Jul;102(7):1250-4.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300541. Epub 2012 May 17.

A call for further research on the impact of state-level immigration policies on public health

Lisa J Hardy  1 , Christina M Getrich, Julio C Quezada, Amanda Guay, Raymond J Michalowski, Eric Henley
Affiliations

A call for further research on the impact of state-level immigration policies on public health

Lisa J Hardy et al. Am J Public Health. 2012 Jul.

Abstract

Arizona's Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, signed into law in April 2010, is already adversely affecting public health in the state. Our findings from a study on childhood obesity in Flagstaff suggest that the law changed health-seeking behaviors of residents of a predominantly Latino neighborhood by increasing fear, limiting residents' mobility, and diminishing trust of officials. These changes could exacerbate barriers to healthy living, limit access to care, and affect the overall safety of the neighborhood. Documentation of the on-the-ground impact of Arizona's law and similar state-level immigration policies is urgently needed. To inform effective policymaking, such research must be community engaged and include safety measures beyond the usual protocols.

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References

    1. S. B. 1070, 49th Leg., 2d Reg. Sess. (Ariz. 2010). Because it was an omnibus bill, the multiple provisions of SB 1070 are dispersed through many locations in the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS). For details see Andy Silverman, “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighbors Act SB 1070: An Overview (as amended by HB 2162),” http://www.law.arizona.edu/Library/Research/guides/SB1070overview.pdf (accessed April 17, 2012)
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    1. National Council of State Legislatures, “State Laws Related to Immigration and Immigrants,” http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=19897 (accessed June 7, 2011)
    1. Proposition 187 (CA Leg. 1994). Cal. Educ. Code §48215, Cal. Health and Safety Code § 103(a).

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