JSPES, Vol. 40, No. 4 (Winter 2015)
pp. 329–367

The Impact of Undocumented Immigrants on the Healthcare Infrastructure of the United States

Alexander G. Muschek

Master of Professional Studies: Homeland Security-Public Health Preparedness

It is estimated that more than 12 million undocumented immigrants1 currently reside within the United States, with this number projected to increase into the foreseeable future. Many healthcare officials at state and local medical facilities have reported that the increased fiscal pressures attributed to this rapidly growing population have overwhelmed their systems, resulting with pervasive understaffing and the closure of numerous facilities. This review summarizes many of the critical facets of the impact of undocumented immigration on the healthcare infrastructure.