Asian LGBT Non-Citizen Immigrants in California
Summary: This study used 2015–2021 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data to examine the demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics of Asian non-citizen LGBT immigrants. Authors focused on noncitizens because they are a group at heightened vulnerability to low socioeconomic status and poor health. Information about U.S.-born Asian LGBT people and Asian non-LGBT noncitizens is presented to identify similarities and differences in the needs of these overlapping communities.
Findings: Overall, Asian LGBT noncitizens were younger and less likely to be married or raising children than their non-LGBT counterparts. However, they reported higher levels of English proficiency. Almost a third of Asian LGBT noncitizens were living at less than 200% of the federal poverty level, and over a third reported not having a usual source of health care. For those with low incomes, half reported food insecurity.
These findings indicate a need to address the socioeconomic and health challenges faced by Asian LGBT noncitizens, including poverty, food insecurity, barriers accessing health care, and higher rates of psychological distress. The findings also indicate a need to increase enrollment in primary health care and food support programs for Asian LGBT noncitizens. Outreach and support programs should consider that Asian LGBT noncitizens are younger and less likely to be married or have children than their non-LGBT counterparts.
Finally, more research on Asian LGBT immigrants is needed, including research with large enough samples to compare the socioeconomic and health characteristics of Asian LGBT immigrants who are authorized to be in the U.S. by government officials with those who are not and to make comparisons by country of origin.
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