UC Riverside

Abstract: The aim of this dissertation is to understand the impact of new policy

aimed at undocumented youth. Previous research has demonstrated the impact of

law negatively affecting unauthorized youth. Primarily, they are denied from legally joining the labor force and applying the skills they learned in high school or college.

Socialized as Americans, “illegality” impedes their development as adults and

leading a normal life similar to their peers. Those who qualify under DACA will be

given a chance to change their legal status from “illegal” to a quasi-legal status with

the allocation of two-year temporary work permits. Therefore, this dissertation

seeks how these DACA impacts them in the labor market, educational opportunities,

how it alters their daily life, the process of those legally denied from legally

participating in the American labor force.