Elevated mortality among second-generation children of migrants: What is going wrong in Europe?

Introduction: the “second-generation” (descendants of migrants) represent the fastest growing sector of the child and young adult populations in Europe today. Research suggest that their mortality is high relative to individuals born to non-migrants. Sources of data: peer-reviewed publications. Areas of agreement: second-generation status is a marker of elevated mortality risk within Europe in early life (including stillbirth, perinatal, neonatal, and infant mortality) and adulthood, particularly if their migrant parent(s) were born outside of Europe. Areas of controversy: It remains unclear what causes-of-death are driving this raised mortality or which background factors (e.g., medical, socioeconomic) are most influential. Growing points: the second-generation will continue to grow and diversify—now is the time to intervene to address these inequalities. Areas timely for developing research: place more emphasis on the role of background factors related to health, migration, integration, and the characteristics of the local area.