Report: Immigrants in NYC Have Higher Life Expectancy Than U.S.-Born People

On April 17, the New York City Health Department (NYC Health Department) released a new report highlighting the contributions of immigrant New Yorkers to the city’s health and prosperity, while emphasizing the critical need to address the unique health challenges that immigrants face. 

According to a news release by the NYC Health Department, the report showed that 81 percent of New York City immigrants have been in the U.S. for more than 10 years, 13 percent have been in the U.S. between 6 and 10 years, and 6 percent have been in the U.S. for less than 5 years. 

• Immigrants in NYC have a higher life expectancy than U.S.-born residents, with an average lifespan of 83.5 years compared to 79.9 years for U.S.-born New Yorkers. 

• Immigrants are less likely to smoke than U.S.-born residents.  

• Immigrants have death rates that are 28 percent lower for heart disease and 19 percent lower for cancer, compared with U.S.-born New Yorkers. 

• Immigrants play a crucial role in NYC’s healthcare system, making up 47 percent of the workforce in healthcare practitioner and technical occupations.  

• Immigrant adults are nearly twice as likely as U.S.-born adults to lack access to health insurance. 

• Immigrants with depression are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to U.S.-born residents. 

• Systemic issues such as bias against immigrants, racism, unfair access to employment, and variable access to translation and interpretation services create significant obstacles. 

“Immigrants continue to be key to the city’s growth, success, and culture. Investing in the health and well-being of immigrant New Yorkers helps our whole city and country thrive,” acting health commissioner, Dr. Michelle Morse, said in a statement.