Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration policy that allows certain undocumented immigrants, who came to the United States as children, eligibility for work authorization.  If they meet certain conditions, they may request consideration of deferred action from deportation for a period of two years.  If granted, this deferral is subject to a renewal. Deferred action is discretionary.  In essence, this determination to defer removal action of an individual is an act of prosecutorial discretion.  Deferred action does not provide an individual with lawful status or a path to citizenship.
Per USCIS, you may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals if you:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
- Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
