Student Use of Services on Both Sides of the U.S.-Mexico Border

Leticia E. Fernandez, University of Texas El Paso
Cheryl Howard, UTEP
Jon Amastae, UTEP

Over 18 million persons live in the communities located on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border; most of them concentrated in sister cities such as El Paso-Juarez. With a population of over two million, these two cities form one of the most dynamic and populated regions located along an international border. The study of border populations poses particular challenges because inhabitants do not always live, work, pay taxes and use services in the same country. Where they carry out each of these activities depends on several factors, including cultural identity and location of social networks. This paper explores the association between race/ethnicity, cultural identity, social networks and cross-border use of health-related services (dental and medical services and purchase of prescription glasses and medicine) among students enrolled in a university in El Paso.