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How DACA is Impacting the Lives of Those Who Are Now DACAmented

Preliminary Findings from the National UnDACAmented Research Project

Released on Thu, Aug 15, 2013

Washington D.C. - Today, on the one-year anniversary of USCIS’ implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the Immigration Policy Center, in partnership with the Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration at the University of Southern California, releases early findings from the National UnDACAmented Research Project (NURP)—a longitudinal mixed-methods study of the impact of DACA on the educational, labor market, health, and civic engagement outcomes of young adult immigrants.

While the DACA program does not provide permanent legal status or a path to citizenship, it does provide a two-year renewable grant of deferral from deportation for certain young immigrants and allows them to apply for work permits and social security cards. The research finds that DACA is increasing their opportunities for economic and social incorporation. According to the survey, many recipients also seek further social integration beyond DACA. In fact, almost all DACA recipients indicate that they would apply for U.S. citizenship if given the opportunity. The study also shows that DACA recipients are often fearful that family members and friends could be deported at any time.

Overall, the research indicates that although DACA opens up some economic opportunities for young aspiring Americans, it does not address the constant threat of deportation still facing those closest to them, including mothers, fathers, and siblings.

To view the research summary see:

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Study: Reform immigration would increase workers' salaries

Published on Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Immigration reform that would permit the legalization of undocumented immigrants in the United States would boost the economy and increase the wages of native born and newly legalized immigrants, said a study released Thursday.

Published in the UNIVSION

Immigration reform affords chance to improve economy

Published on Tue, Mar 09, 2010

As President Barack Obama discusses immigration reform with congressional leaders, it is important to keep in mind that such reform would deliver a much-needed boost to the U.S. economy. Contrary to the views of some, immigration is an economic resource that can be maximized to the benefit of both immigrant and native-born workers. A comprehensive immigration reform package that includes a pathway to legal status for unauthorized immigrants already living in the United States would increase their wages, and therefore their purchasing power and tax contributions, which would support hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs at a time of high unemployment, and generate billions of dollars in government revenue at a time of gaping budget deficits.

Published in the The Hill

Legalizing undocumented immigrants would boost economy

Published on Mon, Apr 19, 2010

A new study published by the Center for American Progress and the Immigration Policy Center demonstrates that the legalization of the 11 to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States could raise the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country by $1.5 trillion over 10 years, and bring other benefits to U.S. workers and the nation's economy.

Published in the People's World

New York Reviews Deportation Policies for Immigrants

Published on Tue, May 11, 2010

Immigrants arrested for decades-old or minor violations, like marijuana possession, may soon be less subject to deportation in at least one state.

Last week, New York state officials promised to ease deportations of immigrants who had committed minor violations. The New York Times reported that the state’s governor, David Paterson, plans to grant more pardons to immigrants facing deportation.

Published in the Latin American Dispatch

Delaware Lawmakers Studying Immigration Reform

Published on Fri, Jun 04, 2010

Delaware lawmakers are researching legislation in other states that could be the basis of an immigration bill here, including Arizona's controversial new law and Oklahoma's 2007 measure, which once was considered the most restrictive in the country.

Published in the News Journal

Arizona's Law Excites State GOP

Published on Sat, Jul 10, 2010

Deal's number came from a recent Federation for American Immigration Reform report that actually puts the cost at $1.6 billion, he said. The Immigration Policy Center, though, cast doubt on the FAIR report, saying it included the cost of educating children who courts have ruled must be allowed to attend school. It also does not take into account the wages illegal immigrants spend and the taxes they pay, IPC said.

Published in the Athens Banner-Herald

Arizona Sheriff Not Relenting After Court Ruling

Published on Fri, Jul 30, 2010

"Sheriff Joe Arpaio and some other folks there decided they can make a name for themselves in terms of the intensity of the efforts they're using," said Benjamin Johnson, executive director of the pro-immigrant Immigration Policy Center. "There's no way to deny that. There are a lot of people getting caught up in these efforts."

 

Published in the Associated Press

Failure to Appeal to the AAO: Does it Bar all Federal Court Review of the Case?

This Practice Advisory discusses whether and how a person can get review of a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services decision in federal court if he or she did not appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). The advisory addresses the Supreme Court case Darby v. Cisneros, holding that a plaintiff is not required to exhaust non-mandatory administrative remedies in certain situations, and how it may apply to cases involving appeals to the AAO.

Published On: Thursday, July 22, 2004 | Download File

Exhibit Hall

Becoming Americans: A Historical Perspective

Exhibit by Phillip Ratner  


When Eleanor Sreb, of the Smithsonian Folklife Center, and Ross Holland, National Park Service Associate Director for Cultural Resources Management, approached artist Phillip Ratner to create artwork for Ellis Island, Ratner initially thought, "How do I fit the entire world into a single piece?" Ratner sat for hours on a bench in the Great Hall at Ellis Island sketching, thinking, observing--trying to capture the essence of the immigration experience. Ratner conjured up images of the millions of immigrants who passed through that Great Hall--travel weary people of all ages, creeds and nationalities who hungered for a new life in America. "I picked up the ghosts," Ratner said, "and it changed my life. I felt my grandparents' energy and that of the thousands of immigrants who passed through those halls."

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