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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
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What is deferred action?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allows certain individuals, who meet specific guidelines, to request consideration of deferred action from USCIS.The Executive Action President Obama announced in 2012 can still be applied for qualifying applicants.
Individuals who receive deferred action will not be placed into removal proceedings or removed from the U.S. for a specified period of time unless terminated. If you receive DACA, you are eligible for employment authorization.
Individuals who demonstrate that they meet the guidelines below may request consideration of DACA for childhood arrivals for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and eligible for employment authorization.
You may request consideration of DACA if you:
- 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 U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
- Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status 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, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
If you meet the guidelines for DACA, you will need to complete steps to make your request to USCIS. For more information, or to schedule an information event in your area, please contact daca@ccdallas.org.
