A new study in the United States set out to investigate the relationship between strict immigration laws and systemic bias against Latino children in the country and the chronic mental and physical health problems they face.

Published in the journal Pediatrics, the study used data from a national survey that included more than 17,000 Latino children ages 3 to 17, collected between 2016 and 2020. The researchers examined the children's health difficulties, chronic physical conditions, and mental health conditions diagnosed by doctors. They compared this information with each state’s “inequities” scores, which assessed immigrant exclusion policies and attitudes toward Latino communities.

Key findings from the study indicated that Latino children living in states with stricter immigration laws and an environment of systemic bias were more likely to face chronic physical and mental health problems. Even after taking into account individual factors such as discrimination and socioeconomic status, children in states with greater inequalities were more likely to have multiple physical and mental health conditions. The states with the highest inequality scores included Alaska, Alabama and Nebraska, while California had the lowest score.

The survey also highlighted the importance of support networks for the health of Latino children. Those in communities with access to medical services, healthy eating, and adequate housing had better health outcomes. However, children without these resources faced a higher risk of chronic health problems.

The study pointed out the relevance of the findings for the formulation of public policies. The implications were highlighted by experts who noted that immigration policies directly affect children’s health and that not acting on the information would be neglecting the health and future of the next generations. The connection between immigration policy and children's health has been highlighted as a significant issue that requires action by authorities.

However, the study also had some limitations, such as not having directly addressed the personal experiences of the children's caregivers in relation to inequalities. Instead, it focused on state inequalities and their correlations with children’s health.

According to NBC News, another recent study found that a quarter of children in the U.S. are of Hispanic or Latino descent.

According to the report, “notably, researchers wrote that families who were the most at-risk may not have been surveyed”.