Clinicians' Perspectives on the Impacts of Post-2016 Immigration Enforcement on Immigrant Health and Health Care Use

Objective. To examine clinicians' perspectives on changes in health and health care utilization of immigrant patients, the presence of immigration enforcement in health facilities, and institutional responses to these changes in the post-2016 period in the United States. Methods. From a survey of clinician members of the Physicians for Human Rights Asylum Network (March–June 2020), we described responses and identified key themes. Results. Post-2016 anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric negatively affected mental health, physical health, and health care-seeking behaviors among immigrant patients. Although most clinicians reported rarely witnessing immigration enforcement activities, nearly half reported persistent fear among their immigrant patients. A higher percentage of clinicians in U.S. border states reported increased fears associated with adverse physical and mental health effects among immigrant patients than those in non-border states. Conclusion. Clinicians' perspectives on the impact of immigration enforcement on patient health is critical to informing multi-level interventions to improve immigrant health.