Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA is a policy that delays the deportation of people who came to the U.S. as children if they do not have documentation.
DACA protection is temporary, and it is not automatic. You must file a DACA request and ask for renewal before it expires. DACA recipients may also be eligible to receive work authorization.
See the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services DACA page to learn:
- Who is eligible
- How to file for the first time or renew your DACA request online
Note: In 2021, a U.S. district court held that the DACA policy "is illegal." But those who had obtained DACA on or before July 16, 2021, would still be protected. They would also be able to renew their DACA and work authorization requests.
If you did not obtain DACA by that date, you may still file for it and for work authorization. But at this time, the Department of Homeland Security will not be able to grant your initial request for DACA or work authorization.
LAST UPDATED: May 16, 2023
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
Call and speak to a live USAGov agent.
Chat with a live USAGov agent.