A DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) agreement is a policy put in place by the United States government to temporarily protect eligible individuals who were brought to the United States as children from deportation. The policy was first introduced in 2012, and it has been revised several times since then. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about DACA.
Who is eligible for DACA?
To be eligible for DACA, an individual must have arrived in the United States before the age of 16, must have lived in the country continuously for at least five years, and must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012. Additionally, the individual must have graduated from high school, obtained a GED or been honorably discharged from the military. Eligible individuals can apply for DACA status every two years.
What are the benefits of DACA?
Once an individual is approved for DACA status, they receive a two-year work permit and are protected from deportation for that period. This protection can be renewed every two years. DACA recipients are also eligible for a Social Security number, which allows them to apply for a driver`s license, open a bank account, and obtain credit.
What are the limitations of DACA?
DACA status does not provide a pathway to citizenship or permanent residency. It is only a temporary solution to protect eligible individuals from deportation. Additionally, it is important to note that DACA recipients are not eligible for federal financial aid for college or certain government benefits.
What is the status of DACA currently?
DACA has been the subject of political debate since its introduction. In 2017, the Trump administration announced its intention to end the program, arguing that it was unconstitutional. However, several court challenges prevented the administration from ending the program, and a Supreme Court ruling in June 2020 upheld the program`s legality. The Biden administration has since reinstated DACA, but a permanent legislative solution is still needed to provide permanent protection for eligible individuals.
Conclusion
DACA is a policy that provides temporary protection from deportation for eligible individuals who were brought to the United States as children. While it offers many benefits, it does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. The program has been the subject of political debate, but a Supreme Court ruling in 2020 upheld its legality. As such, it remains an important policy for many individuals who would otherwise face an uncertain future.
