Date of Award
Summer 6-29-2021
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Abstract
On June 15, 2012, The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was put forward by President Barack Obama to permit children who immigrated to the U.S. unlawfully authorization to live and work in the United States. It was an executive action that allowed those eligible to apply for short term deferment from deportation and to acquire a work permit. This paper examines and evaluates how the DACA program affects a specific population of Yakima, Washington seeking higher education. This paper analyzes how Yakima residents, including DACA recipients, perceive the impact of educational support in helping DACA recipients be a benefit to the community’s future professional labor force, help with greater access to social mobility and help have greater capacity for DACA recipients to be homeowners. Yakima residents were surveyed, and the data collected was analyzed. Simultaneously, three interviews were conducted to collect in-depth knowledge from subject matter experts to help provide better understanding of some of the other challenges DACA students may face when pursuing opportunities for higher education in Yakima, Washington. The potential for an initiative due to awareness of the difficulties for DACA students on their way to higher education can help Yakima better serve their residents.
Recommended Citation
Hernandez, Adan, "Impact and Perception of Access to Higher Education for DACA Residents in Yakima, Washington" (2021). EMPA Capstones. 1.
https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/capstones/1