Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
If you came to the United States as a child and meet certain requirements, DACA offers you the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. without immediate fear of deportation. While it is not a visa or permanent residency, DACA can be a powerful step toward stability, career growth, and long-term immigration planning.
What Is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a discretionary immigration programme managed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
It allows eligible individuals often called “Dreamers” to receive:
- Deferred action (protection from deportation for a set period)
- Work authorization (EAD) to legally work in the U.S.
- Eligibility for Social Security Number (SSN)
- Ability to apply for driver’s licenses (depending on state)
Important: DACA does not provide:
- A Green Card
- U.S. citizenship
- Lawful immigration status
Eligibility & Criteria
To qualify for DACA, you must meet ALL of the following:
Age & Entry Requirements
- Under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012
- Arrived in the U.S. before age 16
Residency Requirements
- Continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- Physically present in the U.S. on: June 15, 2012 The time of application submission
Education or Military Requirement
You must meet at least one:
- Currently in school
- High school graduate
- GED holder
- Honorably discharged from U.S. military
Criminal Record Restrictions
You must NOT have:
- Any felony conviction
- Significant misdemeanor
- Multiple misdemeanors
- Threats to national security/public safety
Who Should Apply?
- Individuals brought into the U.S. as children
- Undocumented immigrants with strong ties to U.S. education or community
- Existing DACA recipients needing renewal
What You Need to Apply
Identity Documents
- Passport or national ID
- Birth certificate
Proof of U.S. Entry & Residence
- School records
- Medical records
- Lease agreements
- Utility bills
Additional Documents
- Employment records (if applicable)
- Tax filings
- Affidavits (if documents are missing)
- Education Proof Diploma, transcripts, or GED
Limitations & Risks
Let’s be clear—DACA is helpful, but not perfect:
❌ No direct path to a green card
❌ Must renew every 2 years
❌ Subject to policy and legal changes
❌ Travel is restricted (requires special permission called Advance Parole)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing renewal deadlines
Submitting incomplete documentation
Providing inconsistent information
Ignoring legal or criminal history issues
Advance Parole
In some cases, DACA recipients may apply for Advance Parole, allowing temporary travel outside the U.S. for the following:
Education
Employment
Humanitarian reasons
⚠️ Travel without approval can result in loss of DACA status.