Author Date

2023-04-11

Degree Name

Department

Political Science

College

David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

Defense Date

2023-04-07

Publication Date

2023-04-11

First Faculty Advisor

Alejandra Aldridge

First Faculty Reader

Joshua Gubler

Honors Coordinator

Ray Christensen

Keywords

immigration, DACA, Republican, illegal, Obama, survey

Abstract

This study examines political divisions among Republicans regarding DACA. To begin with, I provide a historical account of the issue and its importance. Then a survey experiment is conducted, surveying 901 Republicans, and randomly assigning half to the Republican treatment and half to the Democratic treatment. Results indicate that exposure to the Republican treatment increased the likelihood of supporting policies for DACA recipients. Furthermore, knowing a DACA recipient positively impacted attitudes toward DACA policy regardless of treatment. These findings shed light on the complexities of political polarization and immigration policy.