Ensuring Health and Justice for Undocumented Boys and Men of Color

The health and well-being of undocumented boys and men of color are vital to the future of California. State and local lawmakers must make the lived experiences of undocumented boys and men of color a focal point of health care, immigration, criminal justice, and education policiy. Undocumented boys and men of color face many barriers to good health and security. The Greenlining Institute interviewed several undocumented youth, who highlighted the high cost of health care, the “machismo” mentality, disparate access to care within mixed-status families, and limited access to health services for LGBTQ individuals. Injustice, discrimination, and fears of deportation constantly impact the lives of undocumented boys and men of color. The undocumented youth interviewed for this report experienced cultural incompetency and discrimination from health professionals and employers. Additionally, undocumented boys and men of color live in fear every day that they or their loved ones will be criminalized and/or deported.