Voices of fear and uncertainty: Exploring the employment struggles of female DACA recipients

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the employment experiences of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in the United States during the Trump administration and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through in-depth interviews with nine female DACA recipients, this study examines the ways in which the Trump administration and COVID-19 impacted the employment and sense of security of DACA recipients. The findings suggest that the uncertainty surrounding the future of the DACA program and delayed renewals for DACA recipients work authorizations had significant implications for their employment and livelihood. These findings provide important implications for counselors, future research, and advocacy.