Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States before age 16 were made eligible for two years’ relief from deportation. However, DACA has never been a path to U.S. permanent residence, and is only temporary. What's more, the Trump Administration tried to limit or cancel this program, and in 2021 a federal court ruled it illegal and blocked new applications. Nevertheless, under the Biden Administration, people who already have DACA can continue to hold their work permits. Congress is still discussing a permanent legislative solution. Learn more here.
Who Qualifies for Deferred Action as an Immigrant Student or Graduate (DACA)
Who is eligible, and how to apply for this protection against deportation.
Risks and Downsides of Applying for DACA
When the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program began on August 15, 2012, many eligible young immigrants jumped at the chance to work legally in the United Sta
Filling Out Form I-821D, "Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals"
Everyone applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), whether for the first time or as a renewal, must fill out Form I-821D.
Latest on DACA Initial Applications and Renewals
Opportunities are ongoing for people to at least reclaim DACA status, for young people brought to the United States by their parents, without having knowingly violated U.S. immigration laws.
If you received a work permit and temporary right to remain in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, that grant was temporary, set to expire after two years.
DACA Applicants: How to Qualify as "Currently In School"
DACA applicants must meet highly specific eligibility criteria, one of which is that they are either in school or have graduated from school (or are a veteran). Learn more here.
DACA Recipients: How to Apply for a Travel Document (Advance Parole)
If you have applied for and received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), this could be the first opportunity you’ve had in a long time to travel outside the U.S. and return legally, using what's called Advance Parole.
I've Been Granted DACA: Can I Leave the U.S. to Visit Family?
My parents brought me to the U.S. from Mexico when I was a child, and I’m a student here, who has applied for and been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Is My Social Security Number Still Good After DACA Program Ends?
Understanding the limits of one's Social Security Number with no underlying DACA status.
Will Having Had DACA Make It Easier for Me to Get a Marriage-Based Green Card?
Though the DACA program is ending, it may still help you stay in the United States.
Do I Need to Tell My Employer That My DACA Work Permit Will Be Expiring Forever?
Whether to inform your employer about an expiring work permit.
DACA Recipients: How to Apply for a Travel Document (Advance Parole)
If you have applied for and received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), this could be the first opportunity you’ve had in a long time to travel outside the U.S. and return legally, using what's called Advance Parole.
I've Been Granted DACA: Can I Leave the U.S. to Visit Family?
My parents brought me to the U.S. from Mexico when I was a child, and I’m a student here, who has applied for and been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).