Conference Agenda

The Immigrant Health Paradox suggests that migrants exhibit health advantages upon arrival, which deteriorate over time. Few longitudinal studies examine variations in health trajectories by subpopulations, although health outcomes likely differ by interrelated factors such as origin country and gender. This study examines migrant health trajectories in subjective, mental and physical health by gender, origin, and education, using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (2002-2021). Hierarchical Linear Models (HLMs) with random slopes and intercepts compare natives’ and migrants’ health shortly after migration (≤5 years). Findings suggest that no migrant subpopulation faces significant disadvantages upon arrival, but health advantages are more pronounced for men than women (subjective and physical health) and among the lower-educated. Considerable variation exists by region of origin. Second, HLMs analyse differences within the migrant population, calculating interaction effects between duration of stay, gender, and educational level. Health deteriorates for all subgroups and across health indicators over years since arrival, except for the physical health of female migrants with an intermediate/high educational degree. These findings underscore the importance of accounting for migrant heterogeneity in research and policy, particularly in shaping targeted interventions that address the diverse health needs of migrant populations.

The continuous and systematic increase of migratory flows to most European countries has produced subsequent increase in mixed unions and, consequently, in mixed families, has recently triggered the attention of researchers and policy makers. However, only a few studies focused on differences in health status of individuals according to the type of couple and they were mostly focused, thematically, on interracial couples, and, geographically, in the US. This article explores whether and how the self-declared health status of native and foreign-born partnered individuals changes according to the origin of their partner (native or foreign-born), using data drawn from the European Values Survey conducted in 2017 and applying binary regression models separately for men and women. Preliminary results show that among men, native respondents in a mixed couple are more likely to have a poor or very poor health status than their counterparts in a native couple. Foreign-born men partnered with foreign-born women are those showing the highest likelihood of reporting a poor or very poor health status, while the contrary holds for their women counterparts. Robustness checks will follow using a different data source (EUSILC).

The healthy immigrant effect posits that immigrants are typically healthier than the non-immigrant populations in the receiving countries. This advantage is a long-lasting effect of positive immigrant selection. However, the positive selection may not hold true for refugees. In this paper, we aim to study the physical and mental health trajectories of refugees and compare them with those of non-immigrants and first-generation immigrants. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, and focusing on the population aged 20-50, we apply random-effect models clustered by individuals to study the dynamic of refugee and immigrants’ health over the life-course. Our preliminary findings show that refugees are more vulnerable than immigrants, experiencing faster physical health deterioration but improving mental health, over time. Education plays a key role in physical health, but not mental health. Older refugees, recent arrivals, and refugee women face poorer physical and mental health than immigrants and non-immigrants. Long-term refugees show lasting physical health impacts from their experiences, though their mental health improves over time, suggesting adaptation or recovery.

This study examines health disparities between refugees and other migrants in Europe. While economic migrants often benefit from positive health selection, refugees face distinct challenges related to trauma and vulnerabilities from forced displacement. Using data from the EU-MIDIS II survey (2015-2016), logistic regression models analyzed self-reported health and chronic conditions based on migration status. Results show that refugees report better overall health perceptions than other migrants. Notable gender differences emerged, with women reporting poorer health. Recent migrants with stable employment, higher education, and family support reported better health outcomes, while discrimination significantly negatively affected health. Migrants and refugees residing in Southern Europe exhibited a comparative health advantage over those in Northern and Western Europe. The findings emphasize the need for tailored policies to reduce health disparities, stressing the importance of socio-economic integration, equitable healthcare access, and strong family support in improving health outcomes for migrants across Europe.

This paper examines the spatial and social incorporation of immigrants in global cities through an analysis of immigrant restaurants. Using a novel dataset of restaurant reviews from Yelp, The Fork and Google Maps, I map the spatial incorporation of immigrant restaurants across neighborhoods in New York and Milan. I also analyze the social incorporation of immigrant groups through content analysis of the restaurant review, to assess the rating and sentiment of cuisines associated with different immigrant groups. I analyze New York and Milan to compare the patterns of immigrant incorporation in two global cities with distinct migration contexts with respect to policy and migration flows.

Preliminary results chart the emergence of new immigrant restaurants from Central America and South Asia and New York, and East Asia and the Middle East in Milan. Content analysis of restaurant reviews indicates a hierarchy of immigrant cuisines. More established immigrant communities had higher rankings of their cuisine, and more positive reviews.

Methodologically, the paper contributes to growing research using digital data for migration studies. Conceptually, I challenge conventional frameworks of immigrant assimilation that emphasize one-way incorporation into the host society mainstream. Instead, I consider how migrant communities influence the socio-cultural makeup of host societies.