Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals refers to a program that provides deportation relief for certain immigrants. Specifically, DACA is for those who came to the U.S. as children who want to stay in the country.
Those who apply for deportation relief through DACA receive this protection in addition to a work permit. Those who use this program must reapply after two years if they want a renewal.
DACA requirements
There are specific requirements immigrants must meet when applying for DACA. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, those who apply for this program must have been younger than 31 on June 15, 2012, and must have moved to the U.S. before their 16th birthday.
Applicants must also have lived in the U.S. since June of 2007 and not had trouble with the law. Additionally, they must have graduated from high school or joined the military.
The filing process
Those who want to apply for DACA must submit many different forms of proof. These include proof of identity, proof of coming to the U.S. before age 16, proof of immigration status and proof of residing in the U.S. as of June 15, 2012. Other information needed includes proof of living in the U.S. continuously since 2007, proof of student status or proof of honorable discharge from the military.
Filing for DACA can be a long process and there is always the risk of an application denial. Those who want to apply for this program should carefully complete the application process and submit all necessary documentation.