The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a policy that was implemented in 2012 by the Obama administration in the United States. DACA provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children, commonly known as "Dreamers."
Under DACA, eligible individuals who meet specific criteria can apply for a two-year renewable period of deferred action, during which they are shielded from deportation. Additionally, they may obtain work permits, Social Security numbers, and access to certain benefits such as driver's licenses.
To qualify for DACA, applicants must have arrived in the United States before the age of 16, have continuously resided in the country since June 15, 2007, be enrolled in or have completed education or military service, have a relatively clean criminal record, and meet other requirements. The program does not provide a pathway to citizenship or permanent residency, but it offers temporary relief from deportation and work authorization.
DACA has had a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. It has allowed them to pursue education, obtain employment, and contribute to their communities without the constant fear of deportation. DACA recipients have become integral parts of American society, and the program has been praised for providing a sense of stability and opportunities for individuals who have grown up in the United States.