Psychological Impact, Strengths, and Handling the Uncertainty Among Latinx DACA Recipients

Abstract

Anti-immigration rhetoric has consistently impacted the lives of immigrant young adults who are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. This qualitative study sheds light on the lived psychological experiences of 21 Latinx DACA recipients who were impacted by the political debates during the Trump administration. Content analysis revealed four main psychological impacts resulting from the DACA political debates: stress, fear, anxiety, and depressive symptomatology). Through these experiences, individuals who perceived being impacted by these political debates described three main strengths (i.e., luchando adelante, positive outlook, and DACA+ethnic pride) that assisted them. Finally, participants noted three main strategies (i.e., social and family support, religiosity/spirituality, and social advocacy) that also served them during the DACA political debates. These findings provide implications for practices and policies that foster healing from ethno-racial trauma in Latinx immigrant communities.