Early Arrival, Adverse Outcomes? Exploring How Inter-nativity Marriage Shapes Immigrant Health Across Age at Migration

• In Event: 40861 - Section on Sociology of Population Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 4: Migration and Migrant Outcomes

Abstract

This study examines how age at immigration moderates the relationship between marriage to US-born spouses and health outcomes among immigrants. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (1994-2018), we analyze multiple health indicators including functional limitations, chronic conditions, and self-rated health among 2,320 immigrants aged 50 and older. Results reveal that early-age immigrants (0-17 years) in inter-nativity marriages show significantly worse health outcomes compared to their counterparts with foreign-born spouses, despite having higher educational attainment and better childhood health. This health disadvantage is particularly pronounced in functional limitations and chronic conditions, and persists after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. The association between marriage to US-born spouses and poor health outcomes is substantially attenuated among those who immigrated as adults (18-49 years). Mental health emerges as an important factor, with depressive symptoms showing strong associations with health outcomes, particularly among early-age immigrants in inter-nativity marriages. These findings demonstrate that age at immigration critically shapes how marriage to US-born spouses affects immigrant health, suggesting that successful socioeconomic integration may not necessarily translate to better health outcomes for those who immigrate during formative years.

Author

• Yoonyoung Choi, The Ohio State University