Immigrant New Yorkers are living longer and leading healthier lives than their U.S.-born counterparts, according to a new report released today by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The findings not only underscore the vital contributions of immigrants to the city’s overall health and well-being but also highlight persistent disparities and structural barriers that immigrant communities continue to face. Titled The Health of Immigrants in New York City, the report offers one of the most comprehensive looks at immigrant health in the five boroughs.
The report reveals that immigrants in New York City, who make up a significant portion of the city’s population, enjoy a life expectancy of 83.5 years—nearly four years longer than the 79.9 years for U.S.-born residents. This longevity is paired with healthier lifestyle choices: only 7% of immigrants smoke compared to 11% of U.S.-born New Yorkers, with immigrant women smoking at an even lower rate of 4%. Immigrants also face significantly lower mortality rates, with heart disease deaths 28% lower and cancer deaths 19% lower than their U.S.-born counterparts.
“New York has always been a city of immigrants, and today it’s one of the most diverse places in the world,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “Investing in the health and well-being of immigrant New Yorkers helps our whole city and country thrive.”
The data also highlights the stability of the immigrant population, with 81% having lived in the U.S. for over a decade, 13% for 6–10 years, and just 6% for less than 5 years, reflecting deep roots in the city’s fabric.
Immigrants are indispensable to New York City’s health care system, comprising 47% of health care practitioners and technicians. Beyond health care, they play critical roles in social services and other essential sectors, contributing to the city’s resilience and prosperity. “This report demonstrates the importance of effective partnership and community-centered services,” said Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, himself an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. as a child.
Despite their health advantages, immigrants face significant hurdles. Immigrant adults are nearly twice as likely to lack health insurance compared to U.S.-born adults, limiting their access to care. Mental health disparities are stark: immigrants with depression are less likely to receive treatment than their U.S.-born peers. Structural barriers—such as bias, racism, unfair employment practices, and inconsistent access to translation services—further exacerbate these inequities.
“The lack of access to health insurance creates significant barriers for immigrants seeking quality healthcare,” said Myoungmi Kim, president and CEO of Korean Community Services. “We must expand outreach and actively engage with our immigrant communities to provide the information and support they need.”
The report calls for targeted strategies to address these challenges, including reducing language and cultural barriers, engaging communities to share resources, and eliminating discriminatory eligibility requirements for public benefits. It urges community organizations, policymakers, and funders to use these findings to drive equitable health interventions.
Community leaders echoed this urgency. “This report shines a light on the strength, contributions, and potential of our immigrant neighbors,” said Emily Goldberg-Hall of the African Services Committee. Sudha Acharya of the South Asian Council for Social Services added, “Access to healthcare will not only allow immigrant New Yorkers to thrive, but also enhance the overall well-being of our city.”
New York City has made strides in supporting immigrant health over the past decade. Initiatives like the 2017 ActionNYC medical-legal partnership, which places immigration attorneys in public hospitals, and the 2019 launch of NYC Care, now serving 145,000 uninsured New Yorkers, have expanded access to care. The 2019 NYC Human Rights Law further protects immigrants from discrimination based on citizenship status or national origin, reinforcing the city’s commitment to equity.
The report emphasizes that immigrant health is inseparable from the city’s overall well-being. “Immigrant communities are the backbone of New York,” said Rebecca Telzak of Make the Road New York. “We need to ensure that every New Yorker—whether their family has been in this city for generations or weeks—has the resources available to live full and healthy lives.”
As Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families noted, “Immigrant health is New York health.” With Asian American and Pacific Islander communities—over 65% of whom are immigrants—facing unique barriers, the report’s findings resonate deeply.
Meanwhile, Alan Shapiro of Terra Firma underscored the ripple effect of supporting immigrant families: “By providing access to care for all New Yorkers, we are improving the safety net and health for immigrant families and ensuring children are given the chance to reach their full potential.”
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Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs.
