Rivka Comrov, “DACAmented Students in Higher Education: Exploring Organizational Responses to Immigration Policies Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic”
Mentor: Dante Salto, Administrative Leadership
Oral Presentation 9:45am Union E260
Early studies on the pandemic’s effects suggest that socially vulnerable populations, including migrants, have been disproportionally affected due to factors such as fear of legal repercussions, limited access to social services and healthcare, and poverty. This research examines the response of higher education institutions to evolving federal and state policies concerning Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study incorporates ten semi-structured interviews with administrators from three higher education institutions, complemented by archival research of pertinent policies. Findings align with the street-level bureaucracy theoretical framework, revealing how administrators exercise discretion in providing resources like scholarships and financial aid to DACA recipient or undocumented students to encourage their enrollment and retention in higher education, despite their ineligibility for federal financial aid. However, the study also highlights a reliance on individual rather than institutional knowledge in administering support, posing challenges to the sustainability of practices as knowledgeable individuals depart. Furthermore, the research illustrates how institutions have established legal support networks through partnerships with external legal counsels and community centers, aiding in navigating the complex legal and policy landscape. The interviews indicate that the issues faced by DACAmented students has only exacerbated with the pandemic. The study aims to influence higher education institutional policies by developing a toolkit based on the gathered data, potentially offering support to DACAmented students in higher education. This research contributes to understanding the intersection of immigration policy, organizational response, and student support mechanisms within the higher education landscape, particularly amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.