Acceso Latino provides you with information on the most frequently asked questions about DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
First it is important to know what is DACA? and what is their background. DACA is an immigration policy that benefits certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as minors and who meet certain requirements. It was announced on June 15, 2012, by the then Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano.
People who contemplate DACA, obtain the right to employment authorization. However, deferred action does not provide legal status. Nor does it contemplate obtaining US citizenship or legal residency.
In 2017 the last administration canceled this policy, however, in 2021, one of Joe Biden's first actions as president was to carry out an executive order that reestablished DACA.
Undocumented immigrants seeking to file a DACA petition for the first time must meet the following requirements:
- I was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday
- You have continuously resided in the United States from June 15, 2007 to the present
- You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time you filed your DACA petition with USCIS
- You had no lawful immigration status as of June 15, 2012, which means: You never had lawful immigration status on or before June 15, 2012, or any legal immigration status or advance parole you obtained before June 15, 2012 had expired as of June 15, 2012
- Currently attending school, graduated or obtained a high school completion certificate, obtained a General Educational Development (GEDs) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or United States Armed Forces
- Has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more misdemeanors, and does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
