What is DACA: An Overview of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program offers temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible youth who arrived in the United States as children.

Definition and Purpose

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is a policy established to provide a measure of relief for individuals brought to the United States as children without proper documentation. Its purpose is to protect eligible immigrants from deportation and allow them to work legally in the U.S. for a renewable two-year period.

Historical Context

DACA was implemented on June 15, 2012, under the Obama administration by then-Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. It was a response to Congress’s failure to pass the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which aimed to offer a pathway to legal status for young undocumented immigrants. Since its inception, DACA has faced numerous legal challenges and policy changes, influencing the stability of the program and the status of its recipients.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has undergone significant legislative and judicial scrutiny since its inception, shaping the current state of the policy.

Founding Legislation

DACA was initiated by the Obama administration on June 15, 2012. It was established through a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memorandum–not through congressional legislation. This program was created to provide temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children.

Key Amendments and Court Decisions

Over the years, DACA has been challenged and defended in various legal settings. Key court decisions have included:

• 2015: Attempts to expand DACA and create the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) were blocked by a federal injunction.
• 2017: The Trump administration announced its plans to phase out DACA, leading to numerous legal challenges.
• June 2020: The Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to end DACA, stating that the way it was rescinded was arbitrary and capricious.
• July 2021: A federal judge in Texas ruled DACA illegal, blocking new applications but allowing renewals for current recipients.

Current Policy Status

As of the last update, DACA remains in effect, albeit with challenges. The program:

1. Continues to provide temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible recipients.
2. Is subject to court rulings and potential legislative changes.
3. Does not provide a path to citizenship but offers limited rights to employment, education, and protection in the U.S.

To qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), applicants must meet stringent guidelines that touch on age at entry, length of residency, educational or military service achievements, and a clean legal record.

Age Criteria

• Born on or after June 16, 1981: An individual must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
• Arrival before age 16: They must have entered the United States before reaching their 16th birthday.

Residency Criteria

• Continuous residence since June 15, 2007: Applicants should have been living continuously in the U.S. from this date up to the present time.
• Physical presence on June 15, 2012: They must have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS.

Educational and Military Service Criteria

• High school graduation or equivalent: A diploma from a U.S. high school or a GED certificate is required.
• Enrolled in school or honorably discharged: They must either be currently enrolled in school or have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces or Coast Guard of the United States.

Criminal History and Conduct Criteria

• No felony convictions: Applicants cannot have a felony conviction on their record.
• Significant misdemeanors and three or more other misdemeanors: They must not have been convicted of a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors.
• No threat to national security or public safety: They should not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application process involves several key steps that an applicant must follow to be considered for deferral of deportation and work authorization. The process is divided into initial application and renewal stages, each requiring specific documentation.

Initial Application

To initiate the DACA process, eligible individuals must submit Form I-821D, “Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants need to provide evidence that they meet the DACA eligibility criteria, which include age requirements, proof of arrival in the U.S. before a specified date, and continuous residence since that time. Those applying must also pass background checks and demonstrate they were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request.

Renewal Process

DACA status is not permanent and must be renewed every two years. For renewal, applicants must fill out the latest version of Form I-821D and Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” along with Form I-765WS, a worksheet that demonstrates an economic need for employment. As with the initial application, renewal applicants must prove that they have not departed the U.S. without advanced parole and have continuously resided in the country. They must also not have any disqualifying felonies or misdemeanors on their record.

Required Documentation

The documentation required for both the initial and renewal applications is critical for establishing an individual’s eligibility. Required documentation may include, but is not limited to:

• Proof of identity: Passport or birth certificate with photo identification.
• Proof of residency before the age of 16: School records, medical records, or employment records.
• Proof of education: Diploma, GED certificate, report cards, or school transcripts.
• Evidence of presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012: Rent receipts or utility bills.
• Evidence of continuous residence: Bank statements, employment records, or school records.

Documentation must be organized and presented clearly with the application to ensure the eligibility criteria are unmistakably met.

DACA offers several key advantages to recipients, such as legal permissions to work, a reprieve from the threat of deportation, and eligibility for various social services.

Employment Authorization

DACA recipients are granted work authorization, allowing them to seek employment legally in the United States. This formal recognition in the job market enables them to find better job opportunities that match their skills and education, often leading to increased wages and improved job stability.

Protection from Deportation

Individuals enrolled in the DACA program receive a temporary reprieve from deportation. This deferred action status allows them to live openly in the U.S. without the constant fear of being removed from the country and provides a sense of security for them and their families.

Access to Social Services

Although DACA beneficiaries are not eligible for federal welfare, access to certain social services is granted on a state-by-state basis. Some states offer advantages such as driver’s licenses, state-funded educational grants, and health care benefits, significantly improving the quality of life for those in the DACA program.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, while offering certain protections and opportunities, faces legal, economic, and social challenges that spark considerable debate and criticism.

Legal Challenges

The legality of DACA has been the subject of intense scrutiny and litigation since its inception. Critics argue that the executive branch overreached its authority by bypassing Congress. Several lawsuits have arisen attempting to dismantle the program, questioning its constitutionality and creating uncertainty for recipients about their future status in the United States.

Economic Impact

Economists and policymakers are divided on DACA’s economic implications. Critics emphasize potential negative impacts on the job market, suggesting that DACA could displace native-born workers. However, studies also indicate that DACA recipients contribute positively to the economy through taxation and consumer spending.

Social and Political Debate

DACA remains a focal point in the broader immigration dialogue, with debates often highlighting the program’s social implications. Critics express concerns about the message DACA sends regarding immigration enforcement, while proponents argue that it benefits individuals who have grown up and been educated in the United States. The political discourse surrounding DACA is polarized, reflecting the broader partisan divide on immigration policy.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, commonly referred to as “DREAMers,” encompass a diverse group of individuals with significant contributions to society. Their circumstances create distinct socioeconomic impacts.

Demographics of DREAMers

DACA recipients represent a wide array of nationalities, with the majority originating from Latin American countries. As of the latest reports:

• The vast majority are from Mexico.
• Other significant populations come from countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
• A smaller percentage come from Asian, African, and Caribbean nations.

Their ages range from young adults to individuals in their mid-30s, with the program initially targeting those who entered the United States as minors.

Impact on Recipients’ Lives

The introduction of DACA has been a pivot point in the lives of recipients, providing them with opportunities previously inaccessible. Key aspects affected include:

• Education and Work: Many have pursued higher education and found stable employment. DACA’s work authorization allows recipients to work legally, contributing to various sectors of the economy.
• Taxes and Homeownership: DREAMers contribute significantly to the economy through taxation and participation in the housing market, with thousands of recipients now homeowners.

These socioeconomic changes not only affect individual lives but also ripple through communities, enhancing the fiscal and cultural richness of the United States.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program’s future hinges on legislative actions and the sustained efforts of advocacy groups.

Legislative Proposals

In 2023, The Dream Act attempts to provide a more permanent solution for DACA recipients, often referred to as “Dreamers”. This legislative proposal aims to address the legal uncertainties surrounding DACA by paving the way for a potential pathway to citizenship for eligible individuals.

Advocacy and Activism

DACA continues to receive robust support from various organizations and activists. Advocates work tirelessly to defend the program’s legitimacy, emphasizing its importance in protecting nearly 600,000 currently enrolled recipients. Their activism plays a crucial role in influencing public opinion and legislative outcomes.