Nurses as Immigrant Advocates: A Brief Overview

Abstract

Nurses have both a professional and ethical responsibility to advocate for social justice and vulnerable populations. Immigrants are considered one of the most vulnerable populations in the United States and interact with nurses at all levels of the healthcare system. This article provides a broad overview of immigration and the immigration system in the United States and calls for nurses to practice individual advocacy for immigrant patients at the clinic. Included are practical ways that nurses can advocate for immigrant patients at the systems and state and federal levels.