What are the educational, social and economic impacts of DACA?

Heleny Zacamolpa

Senior Project Advisor-Jessica McCallum

Abstract

As we begin the discussion of immigration, oftentimes there's big speculation among our

country. As a result, the U.S. government cannot agree on a fair immigration policy. This

disagreement is most obvious with one particular policy: DACA stands for (Deferred Action for

Childhood arrivals) it is a progressive immigration reform to affect mainly undocumented youth.

Offering eligible undocumented youth temporary relief from deportation, a work permit that has

to be renewed every 2 years. This paper analyzes the educational, social, and economic impacts

the DACA program affects the United States, the potential permanence of these policy measures

mentioned. Research reveals how DACA contributes to positive educational, social, and

economic outcomes for not only immigrants themselves but the Unites States as a whole.

However, we need to pass a policy measure that grants these young individuals a pathway to

citizenship.

Animas High School

12th Grade Humanities

(April 8, 2020)
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Part 1: Introduction

"They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on

paper.” They need to be given a chance to stay in a country they have only ever known as their

​ resident Barack Obama

home."- P

Persistence, courage, accomplishments: the American Dream is strong in the 11 million

undocumented immigrant residents who call America their home. These people have different

motivations for being here: some enter the U.S. hoping to get a chance at a better life; others are

refugees trying to escape violence, poverty, and civil wars in their countries of origin; and many

were brought to the U.S. as small children. Prior to arrival in the U.S., most immigrants believed

they would have a better quality of life in the United States than in their home country, with

better protection and better education for their children.

In the United States, there have been many generations of immigrants who have

migrated to the U.S. for various reasons. A majority of immigrants came to work and with hope

to return to their country of origin. We need to begin talking about the reason people choose to

migrate to the United States.

The U.S. is a nation of immigrants that has been in existence for over 300 years. We

began a new era of mass immigration starting as early as the 1960s. When we began the

conversation of assimilation, it was a very controversial topic. Picturing the American society as

multicultural was not possible, people and their cultures were evaluated according to the

standards of how one saw their own culture, many were patronized and treated unfairly and not
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welcome into the United States. In the article, " Is Assimilation Dead? ", the author states, " I

asked a group of Harvard students taking a class on race and ethnicity what their attitude to the

term "assimilation" was, the large majority of the class had a negative reaction to it." This is an

example of how assimilation is rejected not only with older generations but with newer

generations.

This new wave of youth, of DACA recipients, are just as American as all the waves of

that have come before. They share the values of hard work and making a better life for oneself

and their family. Of these undocumented individuals, there are 700,000 residing in the U.S.

today who call themselves "Dreamers," recipients of the DACA program.

Instead of looking at immigrants' stories, we start to shift our focus to the country’s story.

In 2012 Barack Obama gave the executive order to implement the policy of Deferred Action for

Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The immigration reform which mostly consisted of aiding

undocumented youth. This program gives these young people temporary relief from deportation

and the ability to renew work authorization permits every two years. To be eligible for DACA,

you need to be under 31 years of age, have come to the U.S. before turning 16 years old, have

resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, been enrolled in or have graduated from high school, and

not have been convicted of a felony” (USCIS). DACA allows you to legally work and obtain a

driver’s license.

​DACA has sparked significant political and social controversy since Obama first enacted

it. Opponents argue it encourages immigrants to come to the U.S. and thus taxes our economy

and social services with an ever-growing population. This paper will seek to offer a convincing

response to opponents that showcase the reasons why DACA should continue to exist. DACA
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most certainly contributes to positive educational, social, and economic outcomes for not only

immigrants themselves but the Unites States as a whole. We need to ensure the permanence of

these policy measures. These DACA recipients are some of the world's best and brightest in such

fields as medicine, computers, and engineering, forcing them to work abroad where they can

develop businesses or work in businesses that compete with us. ( Velázquez, Nydia M.) The time

has come for legislators to make a decision that decides the future of 700,000 DACA recipients

and their futures.

​ Part 2: Historical Context and Background Information

The large rush of Latin American immigration of the 20th century began due to

labor shortages the United States was experiencing during war times (Zuckerman). In 1942,

during World War II, the Bracero program was created in California. This program invited

Mexican farm laborers to work in the United States, while Americans were sent to war (Roth

2018). This program was meant to be temporary, but many Mexican workers were desperately

looking for a job. Working at a low paying wage compared to the wage American Citizens were

receiving. During this time of labor shortages when Americans were drafted to war, the United

States and Mexico agreed on a bilateral immigration contract with both parties to ensure

Mexican workers were obtaining a fair deal (Roth 2018).

This bilateral immigration bill was signed on August 4th, 1942, and produced an

exchange from both countries of people, Mexico sending five million workers during World War

II to help sustain the U.S. economy during wartime (UCLA Labor Center). Specifically, people

from Mexico became breadwinners for the United States since there was a high demand for these

workers.
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However, the Bracero program ended in 1964, and even though the program had ended

many workers remained in the United States. The Braceros were encouraged to return to the U.S.

even without a work visa. They were placed all over the United States and used their opportunity

to make as much money possible in comparison to the amount of money they would be making

in Mexico. It wasn’t until 1951, the program was reinstated and in direct contract with the

Mexican government (UCLA Labor Center). The Mexican government, unfortunately, is very

corrupt and used this opportunity as a source of cheap labor and oftentimes exploited their

workers.

Due to this uncertainty of the program, people from Mexico were migrating into the

United States. Thus, creating a circulatory pattern of migration and weaves of people were

coming for months at a time. This circulatory program continued for several years, until the

United States was determined to deter immigration in the 1970s by attempting to import workers

after being witness to the harsh working circumstances these workers faced (Chaudry). Due to

the number of illegal immigrants the country faces today, our immigration system is considered a

huge problem. This is what started the immigrants’ pursuit of the “American Dream” to seek a

better life. Many immigrants believed they would be better economically and their children

would receive a better education.

Past and current immigration policies that have been set in place are currently in debate

in Congress, they not only affect the United States labor among other things but affect many

immigrant families and their children. Since the beginning of 2001, legislators have been

working on attempting to instate the formerly known as the DREAM Act. Aiding a pathway to

citizenship for undocumented individuals ( KROGSTAD).

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If you are not eligible, you may be eligible to apply for a “Hardship waiver”, if the

individual applying has a disability or is taking care of a minor. After applying for the DREAM

Act you need to get naturalization and then you are a legal citizen of the United States. It appears

the Dream Act is the best next initiative if DACA is repealed and ended this summer of 2020.

For many years there have been over 10 versions of the DREAM Act that have been

introduced to Congress. Altogether these different legislative proposals have one common

motive: establish a program that allows a pathway to citizenship and supports seeking to secure

long term economic stability. The introduced bill of the DREAM act received support but it,

unfortunately, didn't pass in 2010 despite the bipartisan support given to the bill. This bill

allowed you to obtain legal status. In the article, "IZA Institute of Labor Economics," the author

states, "Managing to pass to the House of Representatives it fell five votes short and was unable

to proceed to the Senate."

Lastly this bill failed to pass perhaps in part because opponents saw it that, "these

undocumented youth were going to be forgiven even though they had been convicted with a

political offense.” (Ortega) Because of the growing constant debate of whether it was going to

pass, opposers argued the U.S. border had to be secured first to decide on the DREAM Act.

There are many rules and regulations republicans want to make it a comprehensive immigration

reform.

Before the DREAM Act was introduced, there was the "Development Relief and

Education for Alien minors Act. Which was portrayed in the Obama administration as a "top

priority". However, it never turned into anything set in stone in the legislative process. “Seven
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years passed before new/improved versions were introduced in the Senate. (Colorado Immigrant

Rights Association)

On September 5th, 2018, attorney general Jeff Sessions formally announced the repeal of

DACA. Beginning with the first set of DACA permits expiring on March 5th, 2018. “Every day

for eight months, from March 6th till November 6th, will result in more than 1,700 individuals

losing their ability to work legally.” (Ortega) Due to this, President Donald Trump urged

Congress to come up with an alternative to solve this current issue which aids 700,000

undocumented youth. The court is expected to rule a hearing on the final decision of the DACA

program and how this will affect over 700,000 DACA recipients. Imagine what it must feel like

for these young individuals to know their efforts are not enough to remain in a country they call

their home. This is very demoralizing for those who have to put their life on hold uncertain of

their future.

Oftentimes disputed in the DACA debate is the program's economic and educational

impact: How much these young individuals contribute and or harm the U.S.? Opposers argue

DACA recipients drain the economy by using public benefits(education) without contributing.

While supporters claim DACA recipients are a positive impact economically and educationally

and removing the DACA program would inflict significantly high fiscal costs to the U.S. Even

Though the courts have reinstated DACA for now, they argued our president’s executive order of

termination of DACA was unconstitutional. Due to favorable court rulings, DACA recipients

have been able to hold onto their legal status (Ortega).

In 1982, the ​Plyler v. Doe​ case ruled public education k-12 education must provide

access to children even without legal immigration status (Radoff 4). The Supreme Court
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acknowledged current immigration laws cast a shadow for these young individuals who are an

essential part of our community. Even Though it concludes the "legal legitimation" to attend

public schools, ​Plyler V. Doe ​doesn’t successfully allege the roadblocks these students face that

they inherit with their undocumented status. The main issue associated with ​Plyler and Doe

cases i​ s after K-12 students graduate high school they are thrown into limbo trying to afford the

cost of attending college. The access to education in the ​Plyler V. Doe​ case is simply not enough.

65,000 undocumented students are graduating from high schools nationwide, only five to 10%

will enroll in a higher institution (Gonzalez).

Tuition equity policies are consistently increasing across states and students’ ability to

pay in-state tuition will be disrupted. In Colorado due to the high advocacy from voters, on April

29th, 2013 SB 13-033 was signed and put into effect. DACA students who qualified to pay

in-state tuition. needed to have lived in Colorado for at least 5 years and will or have graduated

from a Colorado High School. DACA recipients are at a higher risk of losing access to colleges

due to the restrictive difference laws states have. In states like, "Michigan, where there is no

statewide tuition-equity policy, undocumented students’ state residency is not recognized"

(Radoff 6). Students are forced to cover out-of-state tuition costs to stay in school and may end

up dropping out due to unaffordable tuition. Thus, making it impossible for these individuals to

continue their higher education plans and instead obtain a blue-collar based job.

Part III- Research and Analysis

Section A: Importance on DACA

Amid "congressional inaction" and the disagreement among both political parties, states

have the power to amend a part of the damage that will impact these young individuals. Why
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should we care? More than 700,000 DACA recipients are part of a workforce, most business

owners support this program and DACA recipients. A majority of DACA recipients are in their

mid-upper 20’s and have families of their own (see figure 1) and deporting them is not

constitutional. Supporting DACA recipients will create huge regional stability in our labor

workforce.

Section B: Economic/Social Impacts

After learning about the program DACA and its effect on the U.S. economy and social

impacts, it is important to understand the pros and cons. DACA will motivate and encourage

more immigrants to come to the U.S. However, we do not have endless resources and need to

spend the resources on our U.S. citizens. For example, if the DREAM Act was passed, it would

aid 22.7 billion annually to the U.S. GPD. (Ortega et al., 2017) The U.S. has invested in these

young individuals' education and it would be a waste to send them back to their home of origin.

On the contrary, opponents say, DACA has set a bad example on "finding a way around

legislative policy by executive orders" (Ortega et al., 2017) They argue U.S. presidents’ should

get approval from Congress before making an executive order. The U.S. for many years has been

the country of freedom and opportunities. By resending DACA it would be opposing the parents

of these young individuals their "American Dream"

DACA has had broad-ranging impacts on the United States society as a whole. Not only

socially and economically, educationally helped improve the American society we live in today.

It has statistically been proven from research conducted by many organizations and researchers,

(United We Dream, University of California at San Diego). Not only have they been working

towards bettering our economy they have also been working hard to improve themselves.
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On the other hand, DACA has enabled undocumented youth to work legally and attend a

higher institution, even with barriers associated. These individuals defined as "Dreamers" are

arguably due to being brought as children and being so young not responsible for their

undocumented status; most were brought at the age of 3. They have been raised with American

values and never returned to their native homes or had any connection to it.

While the debate continues over the impact immigrants provide the U.S. and whether or

not to pass immigration reform programs. Before DACA legislation was passed these young

individuals would encounter many restrictions in the labor market due to not having a work

authorization permit. Often being forced to work blue-collar jobs under their employers'

discrepancy, employers were willing to ignore their employee’s legal status. At the cost of the

employee’s being in constant fear of deportation. Many states in the U.S. deny undocumented

individuals the right to obtain a driver’s license. However, states are moving towards a

progressive standpoint and making it easier to obtain a driver's license. We often don’t think

there are places in the United States where you can’t obtain your driver's license, this ends up

restricting their labor mobility.

The data illustrates from the report: "The Economic Impact of DACA",

DACA recipients continue to make positive and significant contributions to the

economy, including earning higher wages, which translates into higher tax revenue and

economic growth that benefits all Americans. Therefore decreasing unemployment rates

and increasing jobs, among the American public as a whole, the rate of starting a business

is 3.1 percent, meaning that DACA recipients are outpacing the general population in

terms of business creation (Jacob Sapochnick).

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The badly timed and unsystematic decision by our president is leading to high

consequences in the labor workforce for the 27,000 Daca recipients that are healthcare workers. (

Sapochnick) In 2019, colleges throughout the United States were allowing DACA recipients to

apply to medical school, become a nurse, and even practice law due to the ongoing demand for

work in hospitals. "Removing DACA recipients from the workforce will cost $460.3 billion in

GDP loss over a decade" (Velázquez 11). Just imagine this number over several years.

In the report, "Economic Impact of DACA" the author Nydia M. Velázquez writes:

DACA enrolled recipients have contributed an approximate of $2 billion each

year in local and state taxes combined. These individuals pay 8.9% of their

income in state and local taxes, higher than that paid by taxpayers in the top 1%.

They also contribute $1.4 billion in federal taxes, $2 billion in social security

taxes, and $470 in million in Medicare taxes each year. (Nydia M. Velázquez, 1)

It is highly contradictory for this reason, although DACA does implement great

strategies for DACA recipients to get a better job. They are induced to join the labor

force instead of getting a college degree. This is because many don’t have the support

from their family and are encouraged to find a job.

According to research, “Pew Research Center’’ the author, Gustavo Lopez writes:

In Colorado, undocumented immigrants make up 40-45% of the foreign-born

population. About 421,000 DACA recipients were first-generation college students

enrolled in college, the hardships don’t just end for DACA recipients, due to legal and
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financial barriers. DACA recipients students are not eligible for any federal aid. Federal

student aid defined as "federal government money that helps support a student’s higher

education." The expenses federal aid can help cover the cost of are expenses for tuition,

room, and board, fees and books, and supplies that DACA recipients don’t benefit from.

(Gustavo et al. Lopez )

Again, there are many shortcomings, based on the eligibility criteria for DACA, found

that DACA has reduced the likelihood of living in poverty by 38 percent. (Hsin et al 2017) Due,

to DACA recipients themselves creating their own businesses and creating work for U.S.

citizens. Here we see an example of how the DACA program is utilizing its power to give back

to the U.S. economy. DACA recipients are outpacing the general population in terms of business

creation. (Jacob Sapochnick)

Furthermore, DACA has increased access and funds for a college education. Due to

financial barriers, 70% of families live near the poverty line, due to this many of their children

help support their families in paying for bills and living expenses to be able to just survive. Their

results, therefore, show that DACA may have shifted DREAMERS from schooling into

employment, suggesting that some unauthorized immigrants might have chosen education over

the precarious nature of working without proper authorization, and that DACA has eliminated

some of the labor market frictions faced by DREAMERS, leading them to enter the workforce.

(Pope 2016)

Section C: DACA recipients Educational Outcomes

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Most importantly students need to see themselves in school to be able to excel

academically. If there is a disconnect between students’ home identities and what is promoted at

school, students are more likely to disconnect and not invest in their education. Therefore they

typically experience academic failure and have a low academic self-concept. These students

experience having low academic self-concept when their teachers tell them they will never

graduate high school and never achieve anything in life. These students start performing worse.

(Petty, Tanjula.)

If students begin to receive the equitable academic support they will be able to reach

high school graduation. Primarily teachers should begin supporting a high academic self-concept

towards their students. Thus, help to narrow achievement gaps and a higher graduation rate.

In the article "HEAA", the author Victoria Crouse writes:

Colorado has the second-highest percentage of college graduates in the nation but

ranks 32nd in sending our high school graduates to college. It’s very complicated some of

the students try their best to integrate and do well in school because of what they are told

at a very young age by their parents. There comes a point when they begin to disinvest

and no longer have the motivation to keep trying when their future is uncertain. (Victoria

Crouse 2)

That is to say undocumented individuals balence work and school, they must

work to pursue their education. DACA recipients are likely to enroll in college, less likely

to graduate from college. If they do graduate they are most likely to be employed in

white-collar positions ( Chaudry). Compared to their parents who oftentimes work

blue-collar jobs. Thus suggesting DACA provides better employment opportunities.

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Part IV: Discussion

As the political atmosphere in the United States becomes more restrictive and stricter,

Daca recipients are in constant worry about not only their wellbeing but the wellbeing of their

families. In the suggested solutions, in May 2019 the Dream Act H.R.6 came live once again and

both would provide “permanent legal status for undocumented youth and would benefit TPS

(Temporary Protected Status) If this program was approved it would implement former, future

and current graduates of high school a three-step pathway to obtain citizenship, work and the

armed forces. (Stumpf 5) The DACA program has to be renewed every two years and doesn’t

offer a pathway to citizenship and you are not eligible to join the armed forces. If you were

accepted into this newer version of the Dream Act, you are eligible to obtain permanent resident

status for up to ten years (Ortega).

In November of 2019, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments from the DACA appeal,

it is expected that we hear a decision from SCOTUS (The Supreme Court) anytime between now

and June 2020 about the future of the DACA program and if it was constitutional to stop the

program. A decision that could potentially end DACA renewals and put at risk for deportation

order on DACA recipients.

Although the data presented isn’t from recent years, we still need more evidence to prove

the strengths and weaknesses of DACA. Research shows that DACA should be reinstated for

now until we can develop a more permanent solution. It doesn't make sense to not let them in or

allow them citizenship when they are giving so much to the U.S. (IZA Institute of Labor

Economics). These are many of the thoughts from supporters of the DACA program who believe
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Dreamers are improving our economy and our neighbors. These DACA recipients are and

always will be a net benefit to the U.S. and there is no doubt about it. They are human beings and

their rights are just as important. After all, they aren’t to blame about their parents' decision to

cross the border searching for a better life.

These students go to school and go to work and it is difficult enough to stay enrolled in

college. Many end up dropping out for this very reason. Many DACA recipients feel guilty for

trying to enroll in college and end up sacrificing their dreams and their future to help their family

financially. Due to no one in their family having attended a 4-year college and or graduated and

they feel as if they are seen as a successful person they will be forgetting the values their parents

taught them. In most instances, they have to take on adult responsibilities that most adolescents

at this age would be worried about enjoying their lives not thinking about the well-being of their

families.

Part V: CONCLUSION

These are the faces of young individuals who are being impacted by today’s current events, these

are people who just want a chance to succeed. The community of DACA recipients lived before

the program even existed and they will continue to live even if the DACA program is

discontinued. However, in the research study conducted, discovered due to the limited time

frame the DACA program has been in existence the program only serves and benefits over a

short period. Even though they benefit from the program as a whole, it’s only a temporary

solution, we need to find a permanent one.

This country was founded on people seeking a better life and seeking asylum and we as

the U.S. depend on their labor. One recommended recommendation is making higher education
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affordable and state-wide through in-state tuition and finding state-funded financial aid. Another

recommendation to form a program that helps first-generation DACA recipients help obtain

college success. TRIO, a program for first-generation college students that was "designed to

identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds" is only available

to U.S. citizens since the money comes from the federal government. DACA recipients are not

eligible. Although it’s up to Congress to pass legislation, states have the power to aid their

communities to be successful. The third recommendation is to encourage more immigrants to

come across the border but has a program in place ex: if they are coming to work in our

professional world.

Since educators spend the majority of the time with their students in K-12 education,

students confide in their teachers about their immigration status. These teachers should try to

support their students in their education to help improve their quality of life. Parents should

become more involved in their children’s education. Because it has been proven it is a significant

factor impacting the student’s academic achievement. This would drastically improve college

enrollment rates and graduation rates.

Thus, DACA recipients are not only contributing to the U.S economy. They are

improving social wellbeing and improving the aspect of the integration of these individuals. In

the research, it’s suggested to formulate a version of the DREAM Act, one it is long term which

guarantees it benefits our economy and labor market. Lastly, we all have biased opinions but if

we can look at both sides, and ask for others to stand in solidarity with the 700,000 DACA

recipients we can start passing legislation to protect these young dreamers.

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Appendix:

Figure 1: ​DACA approvals by year USCIS Report from January 31, 2018, split by new

applications and renewals (dark is new applications approved, light grey is renewals approved,

and dot is cumulative new approvals. Further proving these are young individuals who are our

next generation of students and working in our labor workforce.

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