Aleph, UCLA Undergraduate Research Journal for the Humanities and Social Sciences

The current exploratory review examines the upstream factors influencing health disparities in the current healthcare landscape, particularly in the context of the immigrant population in Los Angeles. Specifically, the Latino/Hispanic immigrant population serves as a key case study, offering insights into immigrant experiences and contributing to a nuanced understanding of the broader immigrant population. Upon extensive research, the paper identifies three primary root factors: first, the underutilization of healthcare services due to anxieties related to immigrant status; second, a lack of substantial education and resources hindering accessible healthcare; and third, discriminatory practices in healthcare facilities targeted at immigrants. Characterizing such health disparity as a broader social inequality issue rather than mere isolated individual concerns, the paper asserts a need for effective interventions aimed at addressing the fundamental barriers to immigrant access to healthcare beyond immediate problem-solving. Drawing upon best practices from existing literature, it further proposes a potential intervention, incorporating strategies aimed to instigate positive social change within immigrants’ access to healthcare.