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. 2012 May;23(2):651-65.
doi: 10.1353/hpu.2012.0052.

Provider's perspectives on the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on immigrant health

Karen Hacker  1 , Jocelyn Chu, Lisa Arsenault, Robert P Marlin
Affiliations

Provider's perspectives on the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on immigrant health

Karen Hacker et al. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2012 May.

Abstract

Introduction: Increasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities such as raids, detention, and deportation may be affecting the health and well-being of immigrants. This study sought to understand the impact of ICE activities on immigrant health from the perspective of health care providers.

Methods: An online survey of primary care and emergency medicine providers was conducted to determine whether ICE activity was negatively affecting immigrant patients.

Results: Of 327 providers surveyed, 163 responded (50%) and 156 (48%) met criteria for inclusion. Seventy-five (48%) of them observed negative effects of ICE enforcement on the health or health access of immigrant patients. Forty-three providers gave examples of the impact on emotional health, ability to comply with health care recommendations, and access.

Conclusions: Health care providers are witnessing the negative effects of ICE activities on their immigrant patients' psychological and physical health. This should be considered an important determinant of immigrant health.

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