Lori Meadows
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has allowed many young people to pursue higher education in the United States. While the number of undocumented students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities has remained stable since 2021, the percentage of DACA or DACA-eligible students has been declining due to legal challenges and the 2007 arrival cutoff. This decline in DACA-eligible students is concerning, given that these students often arrive in the U.S. at a young age, attend American schools, and have the potential to contribute significantly to various sectors, including science, technology, and healthcare. With approximately 408,000 undocumented students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions, it is important to understand which universities have the most DACA students and how these institutions support their academic pursuits and career aspirations.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
DACA-eligible students are declining
The number of undocumented students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities has remained roughly stable since 2021, with approximately 408,000 undocumented students enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher education, comprising 1.9% of all college students in the country. However, the percentage of undocumented students who have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or who are DACA-eligible continues to decline. In 2021, there were 141,000 DACA-eligible students enrolled in higher education, accounting for approximately 0.7% of all enrolled college students. In 2022, the number of DACA-eligible students dropped to 119,000, approximately 0.65% of all college students. This decline can be attributed to ongoing legal challenges to the program, as well as the 2007 arrival cutoff that prevents new applicants from qualifying for DACA.
Undocumented students in higher education are concentrated in a small number of states, with three-quarters hailing from just 12 states, including California, Texas, Florida, and New York. While the spread of the undocumented student population across states is changing, California, Georgia, Florida, and New Jersey all saw increases in their undocumented student population between 2021 and 2022.
Undocumented students represent a diverse community in higher education, reflecting the broad range of first-generation immigrants in the U.S. They are enrolled in various institutions, including community colleges, private colleges, and large state universities, and pursue a range of degree programs. Approximately 88% of undocumented students are enrolled as undergraduates, and 12% are in graduate or professional schools. A significant proportion (27.4%) of undocumented students pursuing graduate education hold an undergraduate degree in a STEM field, positioning them to fill critical roles in science, technology, and healthcare.
Increasing access to higher education for undocumented students has been shown to have positive outcomes, including reduced high school dropout rates, increased college enrollment, higher student achievement, and greater economic contributions. Despite the potential benefits, several states actively block access to in-state tuition for undocumented students, and some even prohibit their enrollment in public colleges. These barriers highlight the need for legislative changes that offer a permanent solution for undocumented students, allowing them to pursue their educational goals without fear of deportation and creating a pathway to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship.
San Francisco University: Student Population Insights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Most DACA students arrived in the US as children
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was established in 2012 to protect undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children from deportation and provide them with work authorization. To be eligible for DACA, individuals must have arrived in the US before June 15, 2007, and been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012. This means that all DACA/DACA-eligible students arrived in the US before the age of 16, with the vast majority (89%) arriving by the age of 9.
The number of DACA-eligible students enrolled in US colleges and universities has been declining. In 2021, there were 141,000 DACA-eligible students, accounting for approximately 0.7% of all college students. This number dropped to 119,000 in 2022, making up about 0.65% of all college students. This decline is due to ongoing legal challenges to the program and the 2007 arrival cutoff, which prevents new applicants from qualifying.
Despite the decline in DACA-eligible students, the number of undocumented students enrolled in US colleges and universities remains stable at around 408,000, comprising about 1.9% of all college students. Three-quarters of these students come from 12 states, with the majority hailing from California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Most undocumented students pursuing postsecondary education do not have DACA status, but three-quarters of them arrived in the US at a young age, with 89% arriving by age 9.
The DACA program has had a positive impact on the lives of its recipients and their children. Research shows that DACA has increased wages and employment status for DACA-eligible immigrants, improved mental health outcomes, and reduced the number of undocumented immigrant households living in poverty. However, DACA recipients face challenges due to their uncertain status, with many experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. Additionally, they face barriers to accessing healthcare due to restrictions on federal health coverage.
In conclusion, while the number of DACA-eligible students in US colleges and universities is declining, most DACA students indeed arrived in the US as children, with the vast majority arriving before the age of 9. The DACA program has provided crucial protections and opportunities for these individuals, but ongoing legal challenges and eligibility restrictions have limited its reach.
University of Hawaii: Student Population Insights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
California, Texas, Florida, and New York have the most DACA students
California, Texas, Florida, and New York are home to the majority of undocumented students in the US, many of whom are DACA recipients.
DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, provides temporary relief from deportation and eligibility for work authorization for undocumented immigrants who entered the US as minors. While the number of undocumented students enrolled in US colleges and universities has remained stable since 2021, the percentage of those with DACA status has declined due to ongoing legal challenges and a 2007 arrival cutoff that prevents new applicants from qualifying.
In 2021, there were 141,000 DACA-eligible students enrolled in higher education, making up about 0.7% of all college students. This number dropped to 119,000 in 2022, or approximately 0.65% of all college students. Despite this decline, DACA recipients remain an integral part of the US higher education landscape, with a presence in community colleges, private colleges, and large state universities.
California, Texas, Florida, and New York, in particular, have seen increases in their undocumented student populations. Florida, for instance, previously allowed certain undocumented students, including DACA recipients, to access in-state tuition through House Bill 851, which was signed into law in 2014. However, this bill was repealed in 2025 by Governor Ron DeSantis, who also signed a series of other immigration bills that negatively impacted undocumented individuals in the state.
New York, on the other hand, has taken steps to support undocumented students through the NYS DREAM Act, which provides access to state-administered financial aid for higher education costs. This act ensures that undocumented students, including DACA recipients, can pursue their educational goals with financial support from the state.
While the legal landscape for DACA recipients in these states may vary, California, Texas, Florida, and New York collectively host a significant portion of the country's DACA student population, reflecting the important contributions of these students to US higher education.
Exploring TCU: Student Population and Campus Life
You may want to see also
Explore related products
DACA students face barriers to college and career access
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a policy that provides temporary deportation relief to young undocumented immigrants, as well as social security cards and legal work authorization. While DACA has helped its beneficiaries find employment and increase their earnings, there are still significant barriers to college and career access for DACA students.
Firstly, DACA places restrictions on access to federal and state resources, limiting financial aid opportunities. The lack of access to financial aid and in-state tuition in many states is a significant barrier to DACA students enrolling in college and completing their degrees. For example, a survey of undocumented college students in California found that despite tuition aid, one-quarter of the students still took out loans, and two-thirds used family resources to cover educational expenses.
Secondly, the temporary nature of DACA creates uncertainty about the future, making it difficult for DACA students to plan their postgraduate careers. DACA applications must be renewed and approved every two years, and the policy does not provide lawful status to recipients. This uncertainty can deter employers from hiring DACA students for internships or career-relevant jobs, as they may not have permanent work authorization.
Thirdly, DACA students face barriers to obtaining professional licenses in some states, which can prevent them from practicing in their chosen career industries. While states like California have passed laws lifting barriers to professional licenses for DACA beneficiaries, other states, such as Arizona, have not addressed this issue. This variation in state laws makes it crucial for academic advisors to be aware of the opportunities and restrictions available to DACA students in their specific state.
Finally, DACA students may face challenges in navigating complex rules and regulations to access higher education due to their immigration status. They may need accurate information and support from teachers, counselors, and other staff to make informed decisions about their college and career choices.
Overall, while DACA has opened doors for educational and professional opportunities, there are still significant barriers that need to be addressed to improve college and career access for DACA students.
Graduate Students' On-Campus Living at Appalachian State University
You may want to see also
Explore related products
DACA students are employed in a variety of industries
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allows certain people who came to the United States as children to request deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. DACA recipients are employed across a variety of industries, with the most common being hospitality, retail trade, construction, education, health and social services, and professional services.
According to a 2018 report, there were approximately 690,000 DACA holders, with an average of 915 individuals losing their work authorization daily as the program phased out. DACA recipients are almost as likely as US adults in the same age group (15-32) to be enrolled in college, but they are far less likely to have completed their degrees. Among undocumented students, 88% are enrolled as undergraduates, and 12% are enrolled in graduate or professional schools.
Undocumented students, including those with DACA status, represent a diverse community in US higher education. They are enrolled in various institutions, including community colleges, private colleges, and large state universities, and pursue a range of degree programs. Most undocumented students, including DACA recipients, arrive in the US before the age of 16, with 89% arriving by the age of 9. These students have grown up in American neighborhoods and attended American schools, contributing to the cultural fabric of the nation.
While DACA recipients face challenges in accessing health insurance and experience income disparities, they make significant contributions to the US economy and workforce. Their high school dropout rates are lower, and they have higher college enrollment rates, achieving success in their academic pursuits. DACA recipients are employed in critical sectors, including STEM fields, and play a vital role in the country's social and economic development.
Kean University Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
