DACA

Definition

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a U.S. immigration policy established in 2012 that allows certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for work permits. This policy emerged as a response to the challenges faced by young immigrants who were raised in the U.S. but lacked legal status, highlighting the need for reform within the broader context of U.S. immigration policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DACA was created through an executive action by President Obama and does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.
2. To qualify for DACA, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012, and having arrived in the U.S. before age 16.
3. DACA recipients, often called 'Dreamers,' are allowed to work legally and can apply for driver's licenses in many states.
4. In recent years, DACA has faced legal challenges and uncertainty, with various court rulings impacting its future and eligibility.
5. The policy has sparked significant public debate regarding immigration reform, highlighting issues of equity, justice, and the role of undocumented youth in American society.

Review Questions

• How did DACA address the challenges faced by young immigrants in the U.S., and what specific criteria must individuals meet to qualify?
  • DACA was designed to provide relief for young immigrants, allowing them to avoid deportation and obtain work permits if they met specific criteria. To qualify, individuals must have been brought to the U.S. before age 16, be under 31 as of June 15, 2012, have lived continuously in the U.S., and have no serious criminal record. By focusing on those who grew up in the country and contribute to society, DACA aimed to recognize their unique circumstances while highlighting gaps in the immigration system.
• Discuss the implications of DACA on the broader conversation surrounding immigration reform in the United States.
  • DACA has significantly influenced discussions around immigration reform by bringing attention to the plight of undocumented youth known as Dreamers. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses not only the status of these individuals but also broader issues within the immigration system. The policy's temporary nature has sparked debates about long-term solutions for millions of undocumented immigrants and the political challenges surrounding such reforms.
• Evaluate how changes in DACA's legal status over time reflect broader trends in U.S. immigration policy and public sentiment towards undocumented immigrants.
  • Changes in DACA's legal status mirror shifting attitudes toward immigration policy and highlight the contentious nature of immigration debates in America. Initial support for DACA was fueled by recognition of the contributions of Dreamers; however, political resistance has led to court battles that question its constitutionality. This fluctuation illustrates how public sentiment can sway between compassion for individuals who grew up in America and fear or opposition to unauthorized immigration, ultimately impacting legislative efforts for comprehensive reform.

Related terms

Dream Act: A legislative proposal that aims to provide a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children.

Undocumented Immigrants: Individuals living in the U.S. without legal authorization or documentation.

Immigration Reform: Efforts aimed at changing and improving existing immigration laws and policies in the U.S.