What Is DACA and Who Does It Help?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) allows 2 year stays for certain undocumented immigrants. People who have entered the U.S. prior to their 16^th birthday, attended school, or joined the military can apply for DACA status. However, applicants must not have committed any serious crimes during their stay in the country. Successful applicants receive a renewable 2 year period of protections against deportation and become eligible for work permits.

When Did Daca Start?

In 2012, the Obama administration created DACA to protect undocumented children brought to the country from deportation. The program was announced in the White House Rose Garden where President Obama noted that DREAMers, the children of undocumented immigrants, should not be punished for decisions they have no control over.

Possibility Of Losing Daca

Since the program was initiated by a memorandum from the Department of Homeland Security, it can be rescinded without input from Congress. This means successful applicants can potentially have their protections taken away by the Trump administration. Additionally, the personal information they provided can also be used for future arrests and deportations.

Republican leaders from 10 states have publicly urged President Trump to end DACA by September 17, 2017. These representatives view the program as an abuse of executive power and feel only Congress can grant amnesty to undocumented immigrants. However, more than 100 law professors recently sent a letter to Trump insisting DACA is legal. Numerous state attorneys, religious leaders, police chiefs, sheriffs, and civic leaders have all signed statements urging Trump to keep the program as well.

Do you have questions about DACA, immigration, deportation? Do you have a pending CRIMINAL CASE, and are unaware of how that may affect your DACA status? We can help.