RALEIGH, N.C. — A new study conducted by researchers from the Urban Institute and UNC Chapel Hill reveals some startling disparities immigrants in North Carolina are facing.

What You Need To Know

  • A new study conducted by researchers from the Urban Institute and UNC Chapel Hill reveals some startling disparities immigrants in North Carolina are facing
  • North Carolina immigrants face several obstacles accessing these programs, like SNAP and Medicaid, because of language barriers, complex eligibility rules, immigration-related fears and hesitancy, along with discrimination during interactions with government agencies
  • Other data that came out of that research found 12% of immigrant U.S. citizens in North Carolina did not have health insurance, while 47% of immigrant non-U.S. citizens in the state didn’t

The data hits close to home for many families because 26% of low-income families in North Carolina have at least one immigrant parent, according to that study.

That number is even higher in Wake and Mecklenburg counties at 44%.

The factors contributing to disparities come down to access.

Immigrants across our state say some of the biggest hurdles they’re facing is getting access to things like nutritious food and Medicaid.

Kasonia Smith, an immigrant from Jamaica waiting for her green card, is looking for ways to reduce the cost for groceries since she doesn’t qualify for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid.

“With food prices going up, it’s hard and not being able to get into the SNAP program, it’s very hard, and food is expensive out here,” Smith said.

Smith knows many immigrants who do qualify for the SNAP and Medicaid, but they tell her it seems nearly impossible to get access to those programs.

“It takes cash to care so we need the help, and we need the resources to help us,” Smith said.

New research from the Urban Institute and UNC Chapel Hill reveals North Carolina immigrants face several obstacles accessing these programs.

The reasons why include language barriers, complex eligibility rules, immigration-related fears and hesitancy, along with discrimination during interactions with government agencies.

Smith says she understands their pain, because she had to go to the emergency room earlier this year after losing her financial assistance that was no longer available after she graduated from college this May.

She says immigrants facing disparities on top of expensive bills can be overwhelming and force some to go without.

“That has been a tough situation because it was an emergency case and right now, I still owe the hospital like $600 and that’s a bump in the head for sure,” Smith said.

Other data that came out of that research found 12% of immigrant U.S. citizens in North Carolina did not have health insurance, while 47% of immigrant non-U.S. citizens in the state didn’t.

Smith says oftentimes, immigrants feel intimidated, especially if they don’t speak English. She’s hopeful that her friends who depend on those programs can get the support they need.

“Especially leaving college. You’re like a fresh person in the world and especially leaving college. It can be tough,” Smith explained.

Researchers from the Urban Institute and UNC Chapel Hill also discussed solutions in the report.

Some include engagement and outreach by government agencies, supporting language access needs beyond Spanish, and partnership with immigrant serving organizations.