Abstract
This study was a replication of a previous study (Venkataramani et al., 2017) which looked at the health outcomes of DACA eligible recipients and non-DACA eligible recipients before and after the establishment of DACA. However, in this research study mental health and physical health outcomes of DACA eligible recipients and non-DACA eligible recipients were studied to analyze if there were differences in the outcomes when analyzing them through the current political climate. Data was analyzed using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and Multiculturalism Theory to conceptualize the role of marginalization experienced by immigrants and how access to those services may increase the physical and mental health of this population. A “difference in difference” statistical method was used to examine the outcomes of DACA-eligible and non-DACA eligible participants while analyzing the mental health outcomes before and after the elimination of DACA in September 2017. The findings suggest that there were no statistically significant changes among DACA eligible in terms of mental health outcomes. However, the findings suggested that there is greater physical health distress after the elimination of DACA in September 2017. Additional findings conclude that there are statistically significant differences in levels of distress among women, age at immigration, and regional location.