DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
⚠️ Current DACA Status
USCIS is accepting initial DACA requests but not processing them at this time due to ongoing litigation. USCIS continues to accept DACA renewal requests. The program's future remains subject to court decisions and potential policy changes.
What This Means:
- • Current DACA recipients: Can renew their status and work permits
- • First-time applicants: Cannot currently apply for new DACA
- • Previously denied applicants: Cannot reapply at this time
- • Check regularly: Policy may change based on court decisions
What is DACA?
DACA provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for eligible individuals who were brought to the United States as children.
- Duration: 2-year renewable periods
- Started: June 2012 under Obama administration
- Current Status: Renewals only, no new applications
DACA Benefits
DACA approval provides several important benefits:
- • Protection from removal for 2 years
- • Work authorization (EAD card)
- • Social Security number for work
- • Driver's license eligibility (varies by state)
- • Limited travel authorization (advance parole)
DACA Benefits
What DACA Provides:
- ✓Protection from removal proceedings for 2-year renewable periods
- ✓Work authorization (Employment Authorization Document - EAD)
- ✓Social Security number eligibility for work purposes
- ✓Driver's license eligibility (varies by state)
- ✓Ability to open bank accounts and get credit cards
- ✓In-state tuition eligibility (varies by state)
- ✓Advance parole for travel outside U.S. (limited circumstances)
What DACA Does NOT Provide:
- ✗Path to permanent residence or citizenship
- ✗Ability to petition for family members
- ✗Federal student aid eligibility
- ✗Guaranteed permanent protection (renewable every 2 years)
Important DACA Dates
June 15, 2007
Continuous ResidenceMust have continuously resided in U.S. since this date
June 15, 2012
Physical PresenceMust have been physically present in U.S. on this date and under 31
16th Birthday
Age at EntryMust have arrived in U.S. before reaching this age
Current
Education StatusMust be in school, graduated, or honorably discharged veteran
Initial DACA Requirements
Eligibility for First-Time DACA Applications
- 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
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained GED, or are honorably discharged veteran
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors
- Do not pose a threat to national security or public safety
⚠️ Note: Initial DACA applications are currently NOT being accepted due to litigation.
DACA Renewal Requirements
Requirements for DACA Renewals
- Have not departed the United States on or after August 15, 2012, without advance parole
- Have continuously resided in the United States since your last DACA approval
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors
- Do not pose a threat to national security or public safety
- File Form I-821D renewal between 150-120 days before expiration (or within 1 year if expired)
✓ DACA renewals are currently being processed by USCIS.
Application Process (When Available)
DACA Application Steps
Gather Required Documents
Collect evidence proving identity, immigration history, and continuous residence
Required Documents:
- •Birth certificate or passport
- •School records, employment records, tax records
- •Any immigration documents (I-94, visa, etc.)
- •Proof of continuous U.S. residence since 2007
Complete Form I-821D
Fill out DACA application form completely and accurately
Required Documents:
- •Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
- •Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- •Form I-765WS (Worksheet)
- •Passport-style photographs
Submit Application Package
Mail complete application with supporting documents and fees
Required Documents:
- •Completed forms and supporting evidence
- •Filing fee ($495 total)
- •Money order or cashier's check made to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Biometric Services Appointment
Attend biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and background check
Required Documents:
- •Biometrics appointment notice
- •Valid photo identification
- •I-821D receipt notice
Await Decision
USCIS reviews application and makes determination
Required Documents:
- •Respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFE)
- •Maintain current address with USCIS
- •Keep copies of all correspondence
Common Reasons for DACA Denial
- 1Insufficient evidence of continuous residence since June 15, 2007
- 2Criminal history including felonies or significant misdemeanors
- 3Departure from U.S. after August 15, 2012 without advance parole
- 4Failure to meet education requirements
- 5Submitting false or fraudulent information
- 6Public safety or national security concerns
- 7Filing after age cutoff or other timeline requirements
DACA Renewal Timeline
- • File early: Submit 150-120 days before expiration
- • Processing time: 2-4 months currently
- • If expired: Can renew within 1 year of expiration
- • Work authorization: Apply for new EAD with renewal
- • Continuous protection: Keep filing renewals every 2 years
Travel with DACA
- • Advance Parole required: Must get permission before travel
- • Educational purposes: Study abroad programs
- • Employment purposes: Work assignments abroad
- • Humanitarian reasons: Family emergencies
- • No guarantee: Re-entry is not guaranteed even with advance parole