Why immigrant mental health?

Immigrant populations can face unique challenges and stressors that impact mental well-being. Understanding and addressing these specific needs is vital to ensuring equitable mental health care and promoting well-being in diverse communities. North Carolina’s immigrant population has been steadily increasing. As our state becomes more diverse, it is important to address the mental health needs of immigrant communities now to close the existing gaps in understanding and service provision.

By the numbers: North Carolina’s immigrant community

Population:

•   Immigrants make up 8% of North Carolina’s population.
•   43% of immigrants are U.S. citizens, 35% lack legal status.
•   20% of NC children have a foreign-born parent.

Economic Contributions:

• Immigrants make up 14% of NC entrepreneurs, generating $1.5 billion in business income.
• Immigrants pay $8.4 billion in total taxes.
• 17% of STEM workers in NC are immigrants.

Top Countries of Origin:

• Mexico (25%)
• India (10%)
• Honduras, El Salvador, China, Vietnam, Guatemala, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Germany (2-4% each)

Language Challenges:

• Top non-English languages: Spanish, Chinese, French, Arabic, Vietnamese.
• 330,018 Spanish speakers speak English less than “very well."