Psychological Benefits
Prior to DACA, the road to achieving a college education was much more difficult. Receiving DACA status provided the opportunity to pursue a degree, an idea that most undocumented students scratch out of their future. With the opportunity now available to them, they knew they couldn’t let it go to waste. It empowers young people who have been living in the shadows to go out and enroll in school. Now, there are undocumented students who work in early childhood education, biochemistry, creative writing, and various other disciplines. Allowing these kids a chance at a future comes with positive psychological benefits. Due to the fact that these kids were brought here by their parents, puts the pressure on to succeed in any way they can and to become somebody. This meant having jobs that paid under the table and consisted of many hours before going to school or after school (which in some cases; is still happening) in order to provide for their families. It is stressful, as well as physically and emotionally draining. But, with DACA, these undocumented applicants, gained confidence, empowerment, and ultimately feel safe and less stressed. These feelings come from being able to:
- Being able to obtain a Driver's License- Even as an American Born Citizen, getting a license with your name and picture on it is a sense of freedom. It makes us feel accomplished and being licensed in a U.S state, makes it feel more like home. It is also a relief for DACA recipients to be able to drive freely and not illegally. This causes less frustration.
- Obtain a Social Security- Obtaining a social security number gives working DACA applicants the right and lawful duty to pay taxes. Which in turn, makes anyone feel as if they're doing the right thing and working hard for their money. They are actually contributing to the American economy as a whole and therefore, it is rewarding and gives them a sense of responsibility.
- Feel safe from deportation- This is ultimately the biggest concern. Once applied to DACA, they are granted two years of safety; because they will not be deported. More families have been kept together, and they are no longer afraid to go out and continue working to towards the opportunities they were given. A loss of fear from deportation is a loss of anxiety and worry.