Overview of DACA
Information about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
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Article By
Nicholas Iwaniec
What is DACA?
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is an American immigration policy put into place by the Obama administration to provide temporary protection from deportation, as well as a work permit, for people who were brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents. The protection lasts two years at which point the DACA recipient must renew the application. The program does not offer a path to citizenship. The future of DACA is uncertain under the Trump administration.
https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-about-daca
What are the requirements for DACA?
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You must be under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012. This was the day the policy was implemented
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You must have arrived in the U.S. before your 16th birthday.
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You must have lived in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007.
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You must have been in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 and the time that you applied.
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You must be a student or have a high school diploma or GED.
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If you attended a technical school or trade school, or were honorably discharged from the military, these work as well.
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You cannot be a convicted felon or have three or more misdemeanors.​
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Documents required to apply:
Identification and DOB:
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Birth Certificate
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Passport
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School ID
Proof of being physically in the U.S. on the required date:
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Formal documentation with your name and a date just before and after 6/5/2012.
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An official document with your name and date just before and after 6/5/2012.
Proof of continuous residence (June 2007- present)
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School records
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Financial records
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Employment records
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Medical records
Proof of being in school or in the military
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Transcript or report cards
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Diploma or GED
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Military discharge papers
Proof that you are not facing a criminal conviction
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Applicants are fingerprinted and go through a background check. Before applying, acquire your records to make sure you are eligible.
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Renewing DACA
You can renew if:
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You currently have DACA
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You had DACA and it expired
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You had DACA and it was terminated
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If you are NOW over 31. You just have to be younger than 31 when DACA was implemented.
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If you have finished schooling you can still renew.
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Resources
http://www.thedream.us/resources/
http://www.jkcf.org/assets/1/7/Undocumented___DACA_Scholar_Resources.pdf
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/undocumented-students-guide/
https://www.aclu.org/blog/immigrants-rights/what-daca-and-has-it-changed-under-trump
