Dreams Deferred: United States Policies that Shape Undocumented Immigrant Youth

Abstract

Undocumented children in the U.S. are an especially vulnerable population. Government policy often dictates the benefits and services that undocumented children may access. Undocumented children can attend free K-12 education and while there is no federal law that prohibits enrollment in higher education, their access to in-state tuition and financial aid limits opportunities. In most cases undocumented children will be unable to be employed or be licensed (i.e., professional license, driver’s license), the main exception being those protected by Deferred Action by Childhood Arrivals (DACA). At present, undocumented children struggle for health access cannot enroll in insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Currently policies are being discussed at the federal level that could either benefit or harm undocumented children. Here we review the major federal policies in the U.S. that impact the lives of undocumented children, including education, employment and health access. Physicians can utilize this information to better approach these patients.