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The effects of deferred action for childhood arrivals on labor market outcomes

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  • Nhan TRAN

    (University of Pittsburgh)

Abstract

I study the effects of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) on labor market outcomes among potentially eligible immigrants. DACA allowed undocumented immigrants to participate in the labor market without fear of deportation, which might be expected to increase the probability of working and allowing workers to move to higher-skilled occupations. However, using a regression discontinuity design, I find very little to no effects on the probability of working and the likelihood of working in high-skilled jobs among DACA-eligible immigrants. The confidence intervals permit modest effects on these variables, but rule out large ones. My estimates are local, mainly applicable to older individuals close to the age threshold, and not broadly generalizable to younger DACA-eligible groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Nhan TRAN, 2026. "The effects of deferred action for childhood arrivals on labor market outcomes," JODE - Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 92(3), pages 297-326, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:ctl:louvde:v:92:y:2026:i:3:p:297-326
    DOI: 10.1017/dem.2025.5
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    JEL classification:

    • J08 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics Policies
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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