Immigrant workers are a large segment of the lower echelon of the U.S. labor force, and as many as 3.6 to 6 million of these workers and their families are living in the U.S. illegally. This paper examines who the recent immigrants are; explains why their current situation in the U.S. is an important public health matter; discusses the ethical and policy issues stemming from their health needs and from illegal status; and concludes with a brief look at some implications of the Simpson-Mazzoli Immigration and Reform Act, currently before Congress. The paper suggests that the illegal status of undocumented workers intensifies their health risks; that the immigrants' responsibility for budget shortfalls in public services is not as clearcut as frequently assumed; and that legislation aimed at regulating the status of immigrant workers in the U.S. is unlikely to solve many of the central problems.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Fall 1984
Research Article|
June 01 1984
Immigrant Workers: Health, Law, and Public Policy
J Health Polit Policy Law (1984) 9 (3): 503–514.
Citation
Sally Guttmacher; Immigrant Workers: Health, Law, and Public Policy. J Health Polit Policy Law 1 June 1984; 9 (3): 503–514. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-9-3-503
Download citation file:
Advertisement