Targeted medicine, targeting immigrants: is it time they qualified as a vulnerable research population?

Immigrants comprise a sizable proportion of the US population, whose genetic profiles are often distinct from those representing native citizens. To achieve equitable health outcomes and general public health improvements, it is therefore essential that immigrants be included in clinical research. This article identifies current barriers and issues facing immigrant inclusion, and proposes possible solutions. It discusses the benefits and risks of classifying individuals as vulnerable based on immigration status, and finally makes a recommendation that the Common Rule §46.11(b) be changed to encourage and further protect immigrant research participation.