Public health nursing and undocumented immigrant populations: Reinforcing “illegal” borders

Background:

Concern for the health and welfare of populations drives the work of public health, including public health nursing (PHN). Historically, Whites have constituted the largest populations in the U. S.; projections of population growth in the next decade however, predict a dramatic shift in U. S. racial/ethnic make-up. What happens when racial and ethnic groups, previously in the minority, comprise the majority of the population? How have public health nurses positioned themselves to meet the needs of a diverse population, particularly the needs of undocumented immigrants—a group surrounded by local, regional, and national dispute and debate?

The goal of health equity, embodied in this year's annual meeting theme, “Public Health without Borders,” mandates a commitment to justice and systematic assessment of health determinants. Active elements such as racism, poverty, environmental exposures, distribution of wealth, and social class play integral roles in influencing health equity. Equally important are politics and policies, including the guidelines and position statements emanating from health services/professional organizations. An organization's silence on the care of vulnerable populations, particularly undocumented immigrants, amplifies the invisibility of these populations in U. S. society and reinforces the inequity of healthcare in the United States.

Purpose:

In this presentation, an overview of the scientific literature with respect to health and health care for undocumented immigrants is offered, with an emphasis on PHN. A summary of existing policies and position statements from national health professional organizations, including those representing PHN are also examined.

Methods:

Not applicable

Significance:

This review provides an examination of the current state of the science in regards to the health of undocumented immigrants and sheds light on how this population continues to remain invisible despite the very visible rhetoric their presence engenders in local, regional, and national politics. Public health nurses need to understand the health circumstances of undocumented immigrants in order to advocate on their behalf.