DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
📊 Explore DACA data →Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an executive policy established in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain individuals who were brought to the United States as children without legal immigration status. Often called "Dreamers," DACA recipients represent a population that grew up in the U.S., attended American schools, and in many cases consider the U.S. their only home.
To initially qualify for DACA, applicants had to meet several criteria: arrival in the U.S. before age 16, continuous residence since June 15, 2007, presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, no lawful immigration status, currently in school or holding a high school diploma/GED (or honorably discharged from the military), and no significant criminal history.
DACA grants a two-year period of deferred action (protection from deportation) and eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (work permit). Recipients must renew every two years and pay a filing fee. Importantly, DACA does not provide lawful immigration status, a path to a green card, or eligibility for most federal benefits.
At its peak, approximately 800,000 individuals received DACA protection, though the active recipient population has declined as the program has been closed to new applicants since 2017. DACA has faced numerous legal challenges, with federal courts issuing conflicting rulings about the program's legality. As of 2025, DACA remains in legal limbo, with existing recipients able to renew but no new applications being accepted.
DACA recipients contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, with studies estimating they pay billions in taxes and hold jobs across all sectors. Legislative efforts to provide a permanent solution for Dreamers — including the DREAM Act — have repeatedly stalled in Congress.
Related Terms
Parole
Temporary permission to enter or remain in the U.S. granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole does not constitute formal "admission" and can be revoked.
LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident)
A foreign national authorized to live and work permanently in the United States, commonly known as a "green card holder." LPRs can be placed in removal proceedings if they commit certain crimes or fraud.
Removal Proceedings
The formal process in immigration court where a judge determines whether a foreign national should be ordered removed (deported) from the United States or allowed to remain under some form of relief.
Title 8
The section of U.S. federal law that governs immigration and nationality. Standard removal proceedings, asylum, and most immigration court matters fall under Title 8 authority.