DACA Explained - Elementary School

What Is DACA?

DACA is a program that helps people who came to the United States when they were young. These children grew up in America, went to school here, and made friends here. But they do not have the same immigration papers as many other people.

How Does DACA Help?

DACA can help people by:

• Letting them stay in the United States for a while without being forced to leave.

• Letting them get a job when they are old enough to work.

• Letting them get a Social Security number.

• Letting them get a driver's license in many states.

What Doesn't DACA Do?

DACA does not make someone a U.S. citizen. It also does not give someone a green card. People with DACA have to ask to keep it every 2 years.

Who Can Get DACA?

A person can only get DACA if they follow many rules. Some of the rules are:

• They came to the United States before they turned 16.

• They have lived in the United States for many years.

• They go to school, have finished high school, earned a GED, or served in the military.

• They do not have a serious criminal record.

What Is Happening Today?

Right now, people who have never had DACA cannot sign up for it. Only people who already have DACA can ask to keep it. Sometimes this takes a long time. If their DACA runs out before they get an answer, they may have to stop working until it is renewed.