Publication Date
1-1-2024
Keywords
higher education, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA recipients, United States
Volume
2024
Abstract
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a policy that provides temporary relief from deportation to young undocumented immigrants, as well as social security cards and legal work authorization to qualifying individuals. Students with DACA encounter a variety of barriers to completing higher education due to the nature of the DACA policy. DACA places restrictions on access to federal resources and state resources, inhibiting access to financial aid opportunities. DACA does not provide lawful status to recipients—this breeds uncertainty about the future, preventing DACA students from scholastic planning. The uncertainty of the future is exacerbated by the fact that DACA applications must be renewed and approved every two years. While DACA opens doors for educational and professional opportunities during college, the temporary nature of the policy results in barriers to preparing for postgraduate plans. Students grapple with high levels of stress and uncertainty, as well as feelings of isolation as they navigate these challenges. Currently, the best intervention for DACA students, known colloquially as Dreamers, are schoolled programs that foster belonging and provide Dreamers with legal, financial, and emotional resources necessary to complete higher education.
Recommended Citation
Porter, Natalie
(2024)
"Barriers to Higher Education DACA Recipients Face in the United States,"
Ballard Brief: Vol. 2024:
Iss.
1, Article 8.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/ballardbrief/vol2024/iss1/8