How do immigration policies affect the spread of infectious diseases?
Immigration policies can either mitigate or exacerbate the spread of infectious diseases. For instance, stringent border controls and health screenings can help prevent the introduction of diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and COVID-19. On the other hand, restrictive policies may lead to undocumented immigration, where individuals may avoid seeking medical care for fear of deportation, thereby increasing the risk of disease spread.
