Immigrant New Yorkers have a longer lifespan than U.S.-born residents

The New York City Health Department released on April 17 a report that states that 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.

This is one of the key findings in the report “The Health of Immigrants in New York City,”

which highlights the significant contributions of immigrant New Yorkers to the city’s health and prosperity, while emphasizing the critical need to address unique health challenges that immigrants face, according to a press statement.

The report shows 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 to 10 years, and 6 percent have been in the U.S. less than 5 years.

Other key findings:

• Healthy Behaviors: Immigrants are less likely to smoke than U.S.-born residents. The smoking rate among immigrants overall is 7 percent vs. 11 percent among U.S.-born New Yorkers. Among immigrant women, the rate is even lower at 4 percent.
• Lower Mortality Rates: Despite facing barriers, 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.
• Essential Workforce: Immigrants play a crucial role in NYC’s health care system, comprising 47 percent of the workforce in health care practitioner and technical occupations. They also contribute significantly to social services and other essential sectors.

However, the report also underscores the health challenges faced by the city’s immigrant population, including:

• Lack of Health Insurance: Immigrant adults are nearly twice as likely as U.S.-born adults to lack access to health insurance.
• Limited Access to Mental Health Care: Immigrants with depression are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to U.S.-born residents with depression.
• Structural Barriers: Systemic issues such as bias against immigrants, racism, unfair access to employment, and variable access to translation and interpretation services create significant obstacles to health for immigrants.

“New York has always been a city of immigrants, and today it’s one of the most diverse places in the world,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “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. That’s why our mission is to protect and promote — without exception — the health of all New Yorkers.”

“This report demonstrates the importance of effective partnership and community-centered services to continue improving health outcomes for immigrant New Yorkers,” said Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Manuel Castro. “At our office, we know that the health of immigrant communities constitutes the health of New York City.”