View source for What DACA Is

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Here, learn a little about what the DACA program is and where to learn about the current state of the program.

''Originally composed by TexasLawHelp.org • Last Legal Review on October 31, 2026 • Last Edited on October 31, 2026 • Special thanks to the [https://www.equaljusticecenter.org Equal Justice Center] for its contribution to this article.''

== '''Caution!''' ==

U.S. immigration laws, policies, and practices continue to change rapidly in 2026. Before making any decisions, consult an immigration attorney. One way to find an attorney is through the [https://www.ailalawyer.com American Immigration Lawyers Association Find an Immigration Lawyer].

== What is DACA? ==
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. DACA is administrative relief from deportation. It protects eligible immigrants who came to the United States when they were children. These people are commonly known as "Dreamers."

== When was DACA created—and for whom? ==
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines could request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization. Individuals who could demonstrate through verifiable documentation that they meet these guidelines were considered for deferred action.

== Where can I learn more about the current state of DACA? ==

* [https://www.nilc.org/work/daca/ National Immigration Law Center, DACA]
* [https://www.aila.org/library?c=DACA American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Research Library, DACA]
* [https://www.ilrc.org/areas-expertise/daca Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), DACA]
* [https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/deferred-action-childhood-arrivals Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Illinois Legal Aid Online]
* [https://www.lawhelpmn.org/index%2ephp/self-help-library/legal-resource/daca-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-facts DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Facts, LawHelpMN.org]
* [https://www.ilcm.org/deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca-protections Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Protections Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Protections], [https://www.ilcm.org Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota]
* [https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-of-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca/frequently-asked-questions  Frequently Asked Questions (USCIS)]
* [https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d I-821D USCIS, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals]