Poverty and Health Status: The Differential Dynamics of Wellbeing in Immigrant Families

Chaowen Chan, University of Maryland

This article concerns the differences in the effects of poverty on health between the native-born and immigrants. Using longitudinal data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation 2001 panel, I examine the effects of poverty status and poverty transitions to test three competing hypothesis: (1) the absolute income hypothesis, (2) the permanent income hypothesis, and (3) the life course transition model. Results show that only the permanent income hypothesis is supported, but the age gradation and health paradox unveil some impact on health of immigrants.