DACA Uncertainties Affects Mental Health Issues

The Attorney General of the United States of America Jeff Sessions on September 5, 2017 announced the ending of the program DACA. This temporary protective status program that benefits 800,000 people who were brought to the U.S. as children were now at the risk of future deportation. The program “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” that allowed thousands of people to obtain a work permit, social security, driver license, and come out of the shadows brought uncertainties under the Trump Administration. Health experts argued that this program that was introduced by the Obama administration had a positive impact towards immigrants’ health. Before DACA was passed most immigrants were afraid to go to a clinic, doctor, or obtain social services since they fear because of their status. Now with the political climate towards the fate of the program health experts predict that it might create a permanent mental health trauma. A problem that lead to higher substance abuse, crime, and massive deportation.