*DUE TO LITIGATION, NEW APPLICATION FOR DACA ARE NOT BEING ADJUDICATED. CURRENT DACA RECIPIENTS MAY CONTINUE TO RENEW*

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Purpose of DACA

DACA was created to protect immigrants who were brought to the United States at a young age. DACA provides eligible individuals, also known as “Dreamers”, with temporary protection from deportation, allowing them to remain in the U.S. legally for a renewable period of two years. DACA recipients are eligible for Employment Authorization Documents allowing them to legally work in the U.S. DACA recipients are also eligible to pursue higher education opportunities and do not accrue unlawful presence while in valid status, making it easier to pursue permanent immigration options later on.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for DACA, applicants must meet several criteria:

  • Age: Applicants must have been under age 31 on June 15, 2012, and must have been under 16 years old when they arrived in the United States.

  • Continuous Residence: They must have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.

  • Physical Presence: Applicants must have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of applying for DACA.

  • Education or Military Service: Applicants must be currently in school, have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, or been honorably discharged from the U.S. military.

  • No Criminal Record: They must not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and must not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Limitations of DACA

While DACA is an extremely beneficial form of immigration relief for those who qualify, it is not a permanent path to status and has limitations. DACA does not provide permanent legal status or a path to citizenship. It only grants temporary relief from deportation and work authorization. The program’s benefits are temporary and subject to renewal, which also depends on the continuation of the program by the U.S. government. Due to legal challenges the future of DACA is uncertain and depends on the outcome of ongoing legal battles and potential legislative action. At this time, only current DACA recipients are able to renew their application. All new application are not being adjudicated by the government due to the leal challenges.