Nativity, Country of Origin, and Multidimensional Deprivation in the United States

This chapter explores variation in multidimensional deprivation by nativity and, for immigrants, country of origin. Examining data from the 2008–2023 American Community Survey reveals that foreign-born individuals generally experience higher Multidimensional Deprivation Index (MDI), headcount ratio, and average intensity of deprivation values than their native-born counterparts. Disaggregation by immigrants’ countries of origin reveals further heterogeneity: individuals from Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and conflict-affected areas of the Middle East and South Asia face the highest levels of multidimensional deprivation, while immigrants from Western Europe, Canada, and select Asian countries experience significantly lower values. Structural variation in multidimensional deprivation profiles is also found. For instance, some population subgroups are more likely to face educational and linguistic disadvantages, while others experience pronounced economic insecurity, a lack of health insurance, and/or overcrowded housing. These findings suggest that legal status, language proficiency, labor market access, and co-ethnic networks interact with institutional barriers to shape the depth and nature of multidimensional deprivation in the contemporary U.S. context.