Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
What is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, (DACA) is a program that protects eligible undocumented youth, who came to the United States as children, from deportation. The purpose of DACA is to give eligible undocumented individuals protection from deportation, and a work permit. The program expires after two years, and is subject to renewal.
DACA Guidelines (Note: DACA is currently not receiving new applications)
You may request DACA if:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
- Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
For more information on the status of DACA, visit:
www.uscis.gov/archive/consideration-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca