Immigrant Families’ Health: Fears, Access & Economic Challenges – 2025 Data

The health and well-being of immigrant families in the United States are facing increasing challenges, particularly for those with children. A recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and *The New York Times*, conducted in Fall 2025, reveals a concerning trend: rising economic hardship, increased fears related to immigration enforcement, and subsequent difficulties accessing necessary healthcare. These issues are impacting not only undocumented immigrants but too lawful permanent residents and even naturalized citizens, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of current policies and the climate of uncertainty.

Over half (52%) of immigrant parents report that it has become harder to earn a living since January 2025, and a similar proportion (55%) are struggling to afford basic necessities like healthcare, housing, and food. This economic pressure is a significant increase compared to 2023, when fewer immigrant parents reported these difficulties. The financial strain directly impacts healthcare access, with approximately one in five (22%) immigrant parents currently uninsured – double the rate among those without children at home.

This lack of insurance extends to children within these families. Around 15% of immigrant parents report having an uninsured child, a figure that rises to 27% among likely undocumented parents and 22% among those with lower incomes or limited English proficiency. The financial barriers are compounded by practical obstacles, with nearly 30% of immigrant parents reporting that their children have missed, delayed, or skipped healthcare appointments in the past year due to concerns about immigration status, logistical challenges, or cost.

Beyond economic hardship, the pervasive fear of immigration enforcement is taking a significant toll on the mental and physical health of immigrant families. Approximately 27% of immigrant parents report that their children have expressed worries about potential negative consequences for the family due to their immigration status. This anxiety is particularly acute among undocumented parents, with 60% reporting such concerns from their children.

The impact of these fears extends to the parents themselves. Nearly half (47%) of immigrant parents have experienced negative health effects – including increased stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and exacerbation of chronic conditions – since January 2025, attributing these issues to immigration-related worries. Around 18% report that their child’s well-being has been negatively affected, manifesting as sleep problems, changes in school performance, or behavioral issues. These findings underscore the profound psychological impact of the current immigration landscape on families, even those with legal status.

These anxieties are not unfounded. Reports indicate an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at healthcare facilities following the Trump administration’s reversal of policies protecting sensitive locations like hospitals and schools. This policy shift, reversing previous protections, has heightened fears within immigrant communities and may further discourage them from seeking medical care.

These challenges are occurring against a backdrop of increased immigration enforcement activity. As noted in reports from the American Civil Liberties Union, Congress’s failure to adequately oversee ICE contributes to a system that can negatively impact public health. Senator Merkley has called for an independent investigation into the use of funds by ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), particularly in relation to the enforcement of immigration policies. The Trump administration’s broader efforts to militarize the border have also contributed to a climate of fear and uncertainty.

The KFF/New York Times survey paints a stark picture of the challenges facing immigrant families in the U.S. The convergence of economic hardship, fear of deportation, and barriers to healthcare access creates a cycle of vulnerability that can have lasting consequences for both parents and children. It’s crucial to remember that the vast majority of children with immigrant parents are U.S. Citizens, and their well-being is directly impacted by the anxieties and challenges faced by their families.

Looking ahead, continued monitoring of these trends is essential. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health impacts of immigration-related stress and trauma, particularly on children. Policymakers should consider the health consequences of immigration policies and prioritize access to affordable healthcare and social support services for immigrant families. The KFF continues to conduct surveys and analyses to track these developments, with ongoing reports examining immigrants’ healthcare experiences, the political implications of their views, and the broader impact of immigration enforcement.