A Decade of DACA

This module address the contentious issue of DACA and immigration. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a policy that was passed under President Barack Obama’s administration, protects some undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children from deportation and enables them to build a life. California has the highest number of DACA beneficiaries. At present, there are around 800,000 DACA recipients in the United States. Of those, 222,795 are in California. Yet, there is little understanding among students about what DACA is, the legal framework that governs the status of DACA recipients, the uncertainties they face due to changes in the political environment, the emotional stress and health issues they undergo due to the legal and political uncertainties, among others. It is important for students to analyze and address the DACA issue to understand the importance of inclusive representation of immigrants. Students should understand stereotypes that undocumented students have to fight so that they can advocate for equal status for these individuals to create a better world. Additionally, the mental stress, challenges, and triumph over these challenges should be documented and the stories of success need to be told to the new generations.

Here is an introductory video on the module:

 

The module's objectives are as follows: 

  1. Explain and define the DACA policy and the Dream Act. 
  2. Articulate the mental, emotional, and health challenges that Dreamers (undocumented students) undergo. 
  3. Enumerate the myths that the DACA policy opponents have against Dreamers and the DACA Act. 
  4. Critically examine the perspectives that DACA opponents present against Dreamers. 
  5. Interview, familiarize yourself and document your experience with at least one DACA recipient at your university. 
  6. Create inclusive and equitable perspectives and solutions for the assimilation of undocumented students into American society and local communities.