The impacts of COVID-19 on immigrants and the healthy immigrant effect: Reflections from Canada

Abstract

Discussions about potential long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrant health and the healthy immigrant effect (HIE) remain unaddressed. Drawing on Canada as a case study, we summarize the primary and secondary impacts of COVID-19 on immigrants. We find that recent and female immigrants as well refugees have fared far worse than either their more established and male counterparts or the Canadian-born population. We then discuss how COVID-19 might influence (or weaken) immigrants' previously documented health advantage. We highlight two structural conditions induced by the pandemic that may alter the health profile of immigrants; namely, immigration policy and delayed medical treatments. Reflections on the requisite data for monitoring and tracking the overall impact of COVID-19 on immigrants' health are included. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the Canadian patterns and its potential relevance to immigrants and the HIE in the United States.

Keywords: COVID-19; Canada; Healthy immigrant effect; Population health; Refugees.