DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA)
WHAT IMMIGRATION BENEFITS CAN YOU GET THROUGH DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA)?
Through the DACA program, certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children can receive legal work permit and a social security number, usually for the first time in their lives.
Some DACA recipients may also be able to eventually obtain a green card if they have a relative who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who can file a petition for them.
DACA is NOT a green card or a direct path to a green card.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS
DACA is currently only accepting RENEWALS, not initial applications.
The following eligibility criteria applied to DACA applicants:
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, up to the present time;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012, meaning that:
You never had a lawful immigration status on or before June 15, 2012, or
Any lawful immigration status or parole that you obtained prior to June 15, 2012, had expired as of June 15, 2012;
Are 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; and
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.