Differential Mortality Risks From Violent Causes for Foreign- and Native-Born Residents of the USA

This paper examines the differences in adult violent causes for mortality risks between the American foreign- & native-born adult populations, while considering the length of time lived in the USA & influences of other sociodemographic characteristics. Results show that foreign-born persons differ in their risks of violent death compared to the native-born population by the amount of time they have lived in the USA. In particular, recent immigrants (less than 15 years) display higher risks from homicide, lower risks from suicide & other accidents (not vehicle), than the native-born individuals. This pattern is different for longer-term individuals who have, for the most part, similar risks from other causes of violent death compared to native-born residents. Findings suggest the process of acculturation may include the amplification or diminution of risks of various causes of violent death. (27 refs.)