Background: The COVID-19 pandemic not only disproportionately impacted the health of immigrants in the US, but led to financial disparities as well. However, few studies to date capture the experience of asylum-seeking and refugee populations.
Methods: We analyzed semi-structured interviews conducted in fall 2021 with immigrants (primarily asylum-seekers and refugees from countries in Central and East Africa) and key informants, and conducted focus group discussions in spring 2023 with employees of a non-profit supporting the financial needs of asylum-seekers and refugees in Portland, ME.
Results: We identified several ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the financial stability of asylum-seekers and refugees, including: job loss, work permit backlog, lack of sick leave benefits, childcare expenses and related job strain, rising cost of basic goods, issues of housing availability/affordability, and healthcare expenses.
Conclusion: Policy changes that address structural factors and support financial stability among asylum-seekers and refugees and other low-income populations could help mitigate the impact of future public health crises and ultimately improve health equity.
Keywords: Asylum-seekers and refugees; COVID-19; Financial impacts; Wellbeing.
© 2025. The Author(s).