Immigrant workers in the United States: recent trends, vulnerable populations, and challenges for occupational health.
Immigrant workers are a rapidly growing segment of the U.S. work force, and these increasing numbers have resulted in a different ethnic mix in the work force than in previous decades. Immigrant workers are not a homogenous group, but are over-represented in low-paying occupations. Their diversity and vulnerability present distinct challenges for occupational health nurses. High-risk occupations in which a large proportion of immigrant workers are hired include agriculture, sweatshops, day laborers, and construction. Initiatives needed to improve the working conditions of this vulnerable population include improved surveillance and research, culturally competent care providers, improved health care access, advocacy, and changes in immigration and health policy.
McCauley
Linda A
LA
School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D009790:Occupations / Q000639:trends; D011050:Policy Making; D012307:Risk Factors; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration; D035862:Vulnerable Populations