DACA Explained - Middle School

What is DACA?

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It was started in 2012 by former President Barack Obama, who wanted to help young people who were brought into the United States without official immigration papers.

What Does DACA Do?

DACA does many things, including:

• Pauses a recipient’s risk of being sent away to a different country

• Gives people a work permit so they can get a job and pay taxes

• Lets people get a Social Security number and driver’s license (in some states)

What Does DACA Not Do?

DACA does not grant recipients a permanent green card or official U.S. citizenship. DACA status only lasts for 2 years at a time, meaning recipients must renew it regularly.

Who Qualifies for DACA?

To qualify for DACA, there are several strict guidelines:

• Must have arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16

• Lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007

• Was under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012

• Is currently in school, graduated from high school, got a GED, or served in the military

• Does not have a serious criminal record

What is Happening Right Now?

Right now, the government is not accepting applications for anyone who wants to sign up for the first time for DACA. Only people who have DACA can continue to renew it. However, the wait times have become very long, which means that some people’s permissions expire before their new one arrives. When this happens, they can temporarily lose their right to work and face the risk of trouble with immigration rules.