Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Richard DeParis

Abstract

AbstractScholars have focused on the effects of implementing the federal-level Public Charge Rule (PCR) and COVID-19 on undocumented immigrants' health and socioeconomic well-being. Researchers have demonstrated that many federal assistance programs that benefit the general population in the wake of the pandemic exclude undocumented immigrants due to PCR restrictions; thus, they are disproportionately affected and suffer social and socioeconomic disparity. Researchers have yet to establish consensus strategies and interventions at the local and state levels to fill the gap and support disadvantaged communities during the pandemic to ensure equitable care and mitigate harm. Thus, this study aimed to identify the strategies and structures that state and local leaders can use to mitigate the combined adverse effects of implementing the PCR and the health and economic crisis among undocumented immigrants in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The social construction and policy theory guided this study. Using a mixed method Delphi design, data from sixteen experts working closely with the immigrants were collected via three survey rounds and analyzed using thematic analysis, summary statistics, and factor analysis. The results of these analyses indicated eight strategies based on their feasibility and importance in assisting undocumented immigrants. State and local governments can benefit from the results of this study by using the knowledge of the strategies to inform positive social change through local leaders, service providers, and government agencies that support immigrant groups in the COVID-19 crisis response and develop future programs in other regions beyond PCR and the COVID pandemic.

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