Young aspiring professionals, like Santiago Sanchez and Bianey Nunez, are grappling with career uncertainties due to the potential demise of DACA. This program, which provides work authorization to some undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, has been instrumental in their education and employment. Their fears of being forced to leave the country have cast doubts over their future prospects.
In Santa Cruz, California, Sanchez, a 23-year-old doctoral candidate, learned about the potential end of DACA while at his fitness studio. Through DACA, he was able to work as a teaching assistant at the University of California, Santa Cruz, helping him complete his studies in molecular, cell, and developmental biology. Without this opportunity, he might not have been able to graduate.
When Nerys was two, her parents brought her from Mexico to Arizona. She had saved money to return to school but was hesitant to take out loans until she knew what would happen with DACA. Currently, she works up to 16 hours a day at JCPenney, leading a team of nearly 50 employees. Despite leaving college due to financial difficulties, she aims to return.
If her DACA permit expires in April 2019, Santiago is unsure about his academic path. He recently completed the first year of his doctoral program in genetic research. The journey to a Ph.D. can take up to seven years, and his current DACA permit is due to expire in October 2018. He's uncertain about his next steps if he cannot finish his doctoral thesis.
Nerys and Sanchez are part of the about 800,000 undocumented immigrants in the U.S. brought in as children. They participated in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The administration gave Congress six months to act, after which they could end the policy.
Many young professionals benefiting from DACA, like Nerys and Sanchez, have been left in limbo. They are fearful that their career plans may be disrupted if they are forced to leave the country.
During this period, thousands of young professionals who relied on DACA for work authorization are concerned that they might be forced to depart. According to a survey by CNNMoney, the president's decision has raised doubts about their career plans.
The loss of DACA would result in a significant loss of employment for young professionals who have benefited from it. Over 537,000 active DACA recipients stand to lose their work authorization, leading to a massive exodus from essential industries such as agriculture, education, and healthcare.
Moreover, DACA recipients pay an estimated $9.4 billion in taxes each year, contributing significantly to the workforce. The loss of these workers would lead to a decline in economic activity and tax revenue.
Research indicates that DACA recipients act as complements to U.S.-born workers in the labor market. Without DACA, there would be a decline in labor market participation and productivity. The elimination of this program could potentially increase unemployment rates, particularly in industries heavily reliant on these workers.
Furthermore, DACA recipients have improved access to healthcare and education, with children of mothers eligible for DACA more likely to participate in programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant, and Children (WIC). Moreover, DACA has proven to reduce barriers to healthcare and increase access to culturally competent care.
However, the uncertainty surrounding DACA has had detrimental effects on the mental health of recipients. The program's termination has been linked to increased stress and negative mental health outcomes. On the contrary, DACA protections have been shown to improve mental health.
In conclusion, the potential demise of DACA would have significant economic and social implications, leading to a significant loss of employment, reduced tax revenue, increased unemployment, and negative impacts on healthcare and education. The uncertainty surrounding DACA has also had detrimental effects on the mental health of recipients.
