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Background <p>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.</p> Methods <p>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.</p> Results <p>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.</p> Conclusion <p>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.</p>

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Financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrant communities in Portland Maine: a qualitative study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月21日

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  • Eilish W. Carpenter,
  • Claude Rwaganje,
  • Michael Kohut,
  • Elizabeth A. Jacobs,
  • Kathleen M. Fairfield,
  • Gloria D. Sclar

摘要

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.