Financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrant communities in Portland Maine: a qualitative study
Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic not only disproportionately impacted the health of immigrants in the US, but led to financial disparities as well. However, few studies to date capture the experience of asylum-seeking and refugee populations. Methods We analyzed semi-structured interviews c...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Archives of Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-025-01527-1 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic not only disproportionately impacted the health of immigrants in the US, but led to financial disparities as well. However, few studies to date capture the experience of asylum-seeking and refugee populations. Methods We analyzed semi-structured interviews conducted in fall 2021 with immigrants (primarily asylum-seekers and refugees from countries in Central and East Africa) and key informants, and conducted focus group discussions in spring 2023 with employees of a non-profit supporting the financial needs of asylum-seekers and refugees in Portland, ME. Results We identified several ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the financial stability of asylum-seekers and refugees, including: job loss, work permit backlog, lack of sick leave benefits, childcare expenses and related job strain, rising cost of basic goods, issues of housing availability/affordability, and healthcare expenses. Conclusion Policy changes that address structural factors and support financial stability among asylum-seekers and refugees and other low-income populations could help mitigate the impact of future public health crises and ultimately improve health equity. |
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| ISSN: | 2049-3258 |