Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a U.S. immigration policy established in 2012. It provides temporary protection from deportation to eligible undocumented individuals who arrived in the United States as children.

When an individual qualifies for DACA, they are granted a renewable two-year period of deferred action, allowing them to live, work, and study in the U.S. without fear of removal.

Understanding “Deferred Action”
Deferred action is a discretionary, limited immigration benefit granted by the federal government. It essentially means the government chooses to delay or “defer” deportation proceedings against an individual.

While DACA does not provide a direct path to lawful permanent residency (a Green Card) or citizenship, it grants two crucial benefits:

• Lawful Presence: Recipients are considered legally present in the United States for the duration of their approved DACA period.
• Work Authorization: DACA recipients are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to obtain lawful employment and social security numbers.

Navigating DACA Renewals

Because the rules and court rulings surrounding the DACA program frequently change, staying compliant with the two-year renewal timeline is critical. Missing a renewal window can put your work permit and your protection from deportation at risk.

Protect your status. Contact Paso del Norte Law Firm today to discuss your DACA renewal application or to explore alternative long-term immigration pathways.