How legal status affects the health of older Latino immigrants

Legal Status Exposure, Health, and Kinship Networks among Latino Immigrants

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11093560

This study looks at how being undocumented or having legal status affects the health and wellbeing of older Latino immigrants over 50, helping us understand the challenges they face in getting healthcare and relying on family support.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093560 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of legal status on the health and wellbeing of older Latino immigrants aged 50 and above. It focuses on how these individuals, many of whom have faced significant hardships, navigate healthcare access and rely on family support due to their exclusion from social safety nets. By utilizing longitudinal data linked to Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid files, the study aims to uncover the relationship between legal status and health outcomes, providing insights into the challenges faced by this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older Latino immigrants aged 50 and above who have experienced varying legal statuses in the U.S.

Not a fit: Patients who are not Latino immigrants or those who are younger than 50 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare access and support systems for older Latino immigrants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the intersection of legal status and health can lead to significant improvements in healthcare access for marginalized populations.

Where this research is happening

University Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.