DACA & Dreamers

*This page is for Dreamers and people who may qualify for DACA or want to understand their options. It helps you see what DACA can do for you, what requirements may apply, and what steps you can take to protect your ability to live and work in the U.S. legally.*

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that was implemented by the Obama Administration in 2012 to provide temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain individuals who were brought to the United States as children. This program allows certain individuals who meet certain criteria to apply for deferred action, which is a discretionary determination to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time.

DACA is important because it allows certain individuals who came to the United States as children, and who have grown up in this country, to come out of the shadows and live, work, and contribute to their communities without fear of being deported. DACA recipients have been able to pursue educational and career opportunities, as well as contribute to the economy and society.

To obtain DACA, an individual must meet certain criteria, including:

• Arrived in the United States before the age of 16;

• Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007;

• Physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making the request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

• Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;

• 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;

• 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.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining DACA has changed significantly in recent years. The Trump Administration has announced that they would not be accepting any new DACA applications, but the policy is under court review and subject to change, and it's important to consult an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information.

It is also worth noting that obtaining DACA does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, and the status is subject to renewal every two years.

An experienced immigration attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible for DACA and guide you through the application process. They can also help you navigate any issues that may arise during the renewal process.

DACA is an important program that can provide temporary relief for certain individuals who were brought to the United States as children, and it's important to consult an experienced attorney to understand the current status of the program and the process to obtain DACA.