Everything You Need to Know About DACA

How to Qualify for DACA

People seeking to gain DACA status must meet specific criteria to apply. This includes:

• Having entered the U.S. before the age of 16
• Residing in the country since June 2007

After application submission, the person will go through different screenings such as background checks. Please remember that DACA doesn’t offer American citizenship but grants a two-year renewable period of deferred action. In 2017, the Trump administration announced its plan to close the DACA program. However, many states and organizations strongly opposed it.

DACA’s History and Origins

Obama’s second administration launched the DACA program in 2012. This program mainly addresses the immigration issues. DACA allows unauthorized immigrants (who arrived in the United States as children) a temporary relief from deportation. With DACA status, qualified applicants get: 

• work permits
• social security cards
• state driver’s licenses
• collateral benefits 
• the right to short foreign travel (after application)

DACA has been derived from the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. Congress proposed in 2001. However, it could not pass the essential approval. DACA has protected lots of young undocumented immigrants from deportation despite various legal issues and political opposition. If you are facing deportation, we strongly suggest you seek the help of a DACA immigration lawyer.

The DACA’s Impact on Dreamers and Their Families

DACA has positively impacted Dreamers and their families. It offered protection from deportation for a limited time as well as employment permission to people who entered the U.S. as children. This has greatly improved their educational and employment status. In addition, they can lead a relaxing life without any fear of deportation.

Common Myths About DACA

There have been huge, heated discussions and myths about DACA. Let us have a look at a few most common myths: 

DACA Recipients are Criminals

One of the most common myths is that DACA recipients are criminals. However, this is not true since DACA applicants pass through detailed background checks. A person can only get DACA status after clearing this essential step.

DACA Recipients Steal American Citizen’s Jobs

Another myth is that DACA recipients steal jobs from U.S. citizens. However, the latest research shows this program has not significantly impacted the employment of U.S. nationals. 

DACA Encourages Illegal Immigration

There is a common belief that DACA promotes illegality and that it encourages people to enter the U.S. without a valid visa. However, DACA allows only those who entered the United States as children and meet certain essential requirements. The program does not offer legal status or U.S. citizenship.    

The Legal Controversies Regarding the Existence of DACA    

According to critics, former President Obama went beyond his executive authority by implementing DACA using an executive order instead of acquiring Congress’s approval. According to them, only Congress has the authority to set immigration policies. In their opinion, DACA is unlawful based on current immigration laws.    

This debate sparked when Texas and other states announced an alliance and took legal action to stop the program in 2017. However, the proponents of the Act stand against these statements, insisting that DACA falls under the jurisdiction of the prosecutorial discretion. 

Advocating For DACA’s Future: Latest Developments and Challenges

In the coming years, the DACA program’s future is uncertain, and other recent developments continue to present challenges for it. DACA protects undocumented U.S. immigrants by offering work visas. However, during the Trump administration, the program was hugely criticized and faced many legal challenges. This led to the program’s attempted termination in 2017.    

Since then, ongoing court cases have offered some temporary protection for DACA recipients. However, for those who have initially been given temporary work permits and protection under DACA, USCIS continues to accept renewals while several federal courts deliberate on the matter. Applicants who meet the requirements to apply but did not file the initial application will have their applications processed by USCIS in this case. However, no decision will be made until federal litigation on the issue under consideration has been completed. A DACA immigration lawyer can answer any questions you may have regarding applications or process. More recently activists have worked long and hard to pass a bill that would have a permanent fix for the Dreamers and their ability to acquire citizenship.    

Personal Stories: How DACA Has Transformed Lives

DACA has significantly changed the lives of many people. For example, Maria, an aspirant young lady, came to the United States as an immigrant child. She wanted to pursue medical studies. Due to DACA she could follow her dreams without any risks of deportation. Today, she is an established medical professional who is making huge contributions to the U.S. economy. 

Next, there is Juan, another illegal immigrant, who has now become a talented musician. With DACA’s protection, he acquired work permits, and that helped him to share his skills with the world. Those are just two among thousands of inspiring success stories of the people whose lives have been significantly transformed by DACA.