DACA by Jillian Yanes: Home

As an aspiring Immigration attorney, I am creating this guide so that other students who seek to learn more about the various types of Immigration benefits to undocumented individuals, particularly the younger generations. This guide will hopefully provide a good foundation to those who want to know more about Deferred action for Childhood Arrivals and how to help those eligible for this program.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a form of prosecutorial discretion that allows an individual who meets certain criteria to defer removal from the United States, even if they have unlawful presence. In order to qualify for DACA, an individual must:

1. Have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
2. Have arrived in the United States before reaching their 16th birthday;
3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;  
4. Have been 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;
5. Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
6. Be 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
7. 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.

None of the information in this LibGuide should be construed as legal advice. Please consult an attorney.