Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Explained: What It Is, Benefits, and How to Apply

What Is DACA and Who Qualifies for It in 2025?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a U.S. immigration policy established in 2012. It offers temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain young undocumented immigrants. DACA does not provide a path to U.S. citizenship or a Green Card. It is a temporary form of relief, renewed every two years.

DACA recipients, often called “Dreamers,” were brought to the U.S. as children. They have grown up in American communities, attended U.S. schools, and often know no other home. The policy acknowledges their unique circumstances. It allows them to live, work, and study without constant fear of removal.

As of 2025, a federal court injunction continues to block U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from approving new, first-time DACA applications. This means that if you have never had DACA before, you cannot currently apply. However, DACA renewals are still being processed.

To qualify for DACA, generally, you must meet several criteria based on the original 2012 guidelines:

• You must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
• You must have come to the U.S. before your 16th birthday.
• You must have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present.
• You must have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request.
• You must have no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012.
• You must be currently in school, have graduated from high school or obtained a GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard.
• You must not have been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors. You also cannot pose a threat to national security or public safety.

How Does Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Work?

DACA operates as an exercise of prosecutorial discretion. This means the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chooses to defer removal action against eligible individuals. It is not a law passed by Congress. Instead, it is a policy directive.

The process for existing DACA recipients involves submitting a request to USCIS. You file Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You also include Form I-765 Worksheet. These forms demonstrate you meet the eligibility criteria.

USCIS reviews your application. They conduct background checks, including fingerprinting (biometrics). They verify your educational history, continuous residence, and lack of disqualifying criminal convictions. If your request is approved, USCIS grants you deferred action for a period of two years.

Along with deferred action, you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document allows you to work legally in the U.S. It also enables you to apply for a Social Security number. Both benefits are valid for the two-year period of your DACA grant.

Before your DACA status expires, you must apply for renewal. USCIS recommends applying between 120 and 150 days before expiration. This helps avoid a lapse in your work authorization and protection from deportation. Each renewal requires paying fees and submitting updated information and documentation. DACA remains a temporary status, subject to ongoing legal challenges and policy changes.

What Are the Main Benefits of Having DACA Status?

DACA status offers significant practical benefits to eligible individuals. These benefits improve daily life and provide greater stability.

The most important benefit is protection from deportation. DACA grants a temporary reprieve from removal proceedings. This allows recipients to live in the U.S. without the immediate fear of being sent to a country they may not remember. This stability reduces stress for individuals and their families.

Another major benefit is work authorization. DACA recipients receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This permit allows you to work legally in the U.S. Having legal work authorization opens doors to better job opportunities. It often leads to higher wages and improved working conditions. Many DACA recipients report moving to jobs with better pay, health insurance, and benefits.

With work authorization, DACA recipients can also apply for a Social Security number. A Social Security number is crucial for employment, filing taxes, and building credit. It allows integration into the formal economy.

DACA can also enable recipients to obtain a driver’s license in most states. This improves mobility and independence. It allows easier access to work, school, and other necessities.

Some DACA recipients may also become eligible for certain educational opportunities. This can include in-state tuition at public colleges or universities in some states. It can also open access to specific scholarships or grants.

DACA status also means you are not accumulating “unlawful presence.” This can be important for future immigration options, though DACA does not provide a direct path to a Green Card.

Can You Apply for DACA for the First Time in 2025?

As of 2025, no, you generally cannot apply for DACA for the first time. A federal court injunction remains in effect. This injunction blocks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from approving any new, initial DACA applications.

This legal situation has been ongoing since July 2021, when a U.S. District Court judge ruled that the DACA program was unlawful. The ruling effectively prevented USCIS from granting DACA to individuals who had never before received it. This decision has been upheld on appeal.

While USCIS may continue to accept initial DACA requests, they are unable to process or approve them. If you submit a first-time application, it will likely be held without adjudication. This means your application will sit in limbo, and your filing fees will be collected without a decision being rendered.

The situation is dynamic and subject to ongoing legal challenges. Court rulings could change the ability to apply for DACA in the future. However, as of now, the door for new DACA applicants remains closed.

Existing DACA recipients are largely unaffected by this specific aspect of the injunction. They can continue to apply for DACA renewals. USCIS is still processing and approving renewal requests. This allows current DACA holders to maintain their protection from deportation and work authorization.

If you are considering applying for DACA, and you have never held it before, you should consult with an immigration attorney. They can provide the most up-to-date information on the program’s status and advise you on any potential changes or alternative options for your immigration situation.

What Documents Are Needed to Apply for DACA?

Applying for DACA, especially for renewals, requires a thorough collection of specific documents. USCIS uses these to confirm your eligibility. Organize your documents carefully before you submit your application.

You will need proof of identity and age. This can include your birth certificate, passport, national identity card, or school ID with your birth date.

Evidence of continuous residence in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, is critical. You do not need a document for every single day. However, you should provide evidence for significant periods. Examples include:

• School records (transcripts, report cards, enrollment letters)
• Employment records (pay stubs, W-2 forms)
• Medical records (vaccination records, doctor’s visits)
• Financial records (bank statements, tax returns)
• Rental agreements, utility bills, or receipts
• Dated photographs, if they clearly show you in the U.S. over time
• Affidavits from individuals who can attest to your continuous presence.

You must also provide proof of arrival in the U.S. before turning 16. This could be an I-94 arrival/departure record, a passport with an entry stamp, or other travel documents.

Proof of educational attainment or military service is required. This means high school diplomas, GED certificates, college transcripts, or honorable discharge papers (DD-214 or NGB Form 22). If you are currently in school, provide enrollment verification.

Finally, you must include evidence of your lack of disqualifying criminal history. While you do not submit police records with your initial application, you attest to your criminal history on the forms. USCIS will conduct its own background checks. Being honest is crucial. Any past convictions that make you ineligible will result in a denial.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for DACA?

The processing time for DACA applications varies. Several factors influence how long it takes to receive a decision. The type of application, initial versus renewal, is a major factor.

As of 2025, USCIS is not processing initial DACA applications. If you have never had DACA before, your application will likely be held indefinitely.

For DACA renewal requests, USCIS generally aims to adjudicate them within 120 days. This is approximately four months. However, processing times can fluctuate. They depend on USCIS workload, staffing levels, and any technical issues.

It is common for DACA recipients to receive their approval and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) within 2 to 3 months after filing their renewal. Some cases may be quicker, while others might take longer.

USCIS strongly recommends submitting your DACA renewal request between 150 and 120 days before your current DACA and EAD expire. This filing window helps reduce the risk of a lapse in your work authorization and protection from deportation. Submitting too early, more than 150 days out, will not speed up the process.

After you file, USCIS will send a receipt notice. Then, you will typically receive a biometrics appointment notice. Attending this appointment is mandatory. Any delays in attending or rescheduling it can prolong your processing time. You can check your case status online using the receipt number.

What Happens After You Receive DACA Approval?

Receiving DACA approval marks a significant milestone. It brings temporary stability and new opportunities. Several steps follow approval.

First, you will receive an approval notice (Form I-797) from USCIS. This confirms your deferred action grant. Soon after, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly known as a work permit. This card is your proof of legal ability to work in the U.S.

With your EAD, you can then apply for a Social Security number (SSN). You must do this in person at a Social Security office. Bring your DACA EAD and other required identification documents. An SSN is essential for employment, filing taxes, and building a credit history.

Many DACA recipients also use their EAD to apply for a state driver’s license or state identification card. This provides valid ID and improves daily mobility. Requirements for driver’s licenses vary by state. Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website for specific instructions.

DACA approval allows you to pursue better employment opportunities. You can seek jobs that require legal work authorization. This often leads to higher wages, benefits, and career advancement.

You gain a measure of peace of mind. The immediate fear of deportation is lifted for the duration of your DACA period. This allows you to plan your life more effectively. You can focus on education, career, and family without the constant threat of removal.

Remember, DACA is temporary. It needs to be renewed every two years. Stay informed about the renewal process and future changes to the DACA policy.

Does DACA Provide a Path to U.S. Citizenship or a Green Card?

No, DACA does not provide a direct path to U.S. citizenship or a Green Card. DACA is a temporary administrative relief. It grants protection from deportation and work authorization for a two-year period, renewable. It does not confer any permanent legal status.

DACA recipients are often called “Dreamers” due to their aspirations for a permanent solution. For years, advocates have pushed for legislative action, such as the DREAM Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for this population. However, Congress has not yet passed such a law.

While DACA itself does not lead to a Green Card, some DACA recipients may become eligible for a Green Card through other existing immigration pathways. These pathways are independent of DACA status. For example:

• Family-based petitions: If you marry a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may be able to apply for a Green Card through that relationship. This often requires demonstrating a “lawful entry” into the U.S.
• Employment-based petitions: In rare cases, an employer may sponsor you for a Green Card if you meet the specific requirements for an employment-based visa.
• Special immigrant programs: Certain programs, like Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for abused, neglected, or abandoned children, or U Visas for victims of certain crimes, might offer a path to a Green Card for some DACA recipients.

A key factor for many DACA recipients seeking a Green Card through adjustment of status (applying while in the U.S.) is how they entered the country. If you entered without inspection, you may need to leave the U.S. and apply for a waiver before returning, which carries risks. Some DACA recipients have utilized “advance parole” to travel outside the U.S. for an authorized purpose and then re-enter lawfully. This lawful entry can sometimes make them eligible for adjustment of status if they have another basis for a Green Card.

What Are the Common Reasons DACA Applications Get Denied?

DACA applications can be denied for several reasons. Understanding these can help applicants avoid common pitfalls.

One primary reason for denial is not meeting the eligibility criteria. This includes failing to prove:

• Arrival in the U.S. before age 16.
• Continuous residence since June 15, 2007.
• Being under 31 on June 15, 2012.
• Educational requirements (in school, graduated, or veteran status).
• Physical presence on June 15, 2012.
• No lawful status on June 15, 2012.

Incomplete or incorrect documentation is another frequent cause of denial. USCIS requires specific forms and supporting evidence. Missing signatures, outdated forms, or failure to provide all requested supporting documents will lead to rejections or denials. For instance, insufficient evidence of continuous residence over the years can be a problem.

Criminal history is a significant barrier. DACA requires you to have no felony convictions, no significant misdemeanors, and no more than three other misdemeanors. Certain offenses, even minor ones, can disqualify you. USCIS conducts thorough background checks. Being untruthful about your criminal history will certainly lead to a denial and can have severe immigration consequences.

Failure to attend the biometrics appointment will also result in a denial. This appointment is mandatory for fingerprinting and photographs. USCIS sends a notice with the date and time. If you miss it, you must reschedule promptly.

Finally, failure to respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) can lead to denial. If USCIS needs more information, they will send an RFE. You must respond by the deadline with the requested documents. Ignoring an RFE indicates an incomplete application.

It is crucial to be honest and provide accurate information. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help you navigate the application process and avoid common mistakes.

Is It Safe to Apply for DACA in 2025 Under Current Immigration Policies?

For renewal applications, it is generally considered safe to apply for DACA in 2025. USCIS continues to accept and process DACA renewal requests. Existing DACA recipients are largely protected by ongoing court orders. These orders allow renewals to proceed, including the associated employment authorization. Many legal aid organizations and immigration advocates continue to recommend that eligible DACA recipients renew their status to maintain their protection from deportation and work authorization.

However, the DACA program remains in a state of legal uncertainty. There are ongoing court challenges. A federal court has found DACA unlawful, but its ruling is currently paused for existing recipients. This means the program’s long-term future is not guaranteed. While renewals are allowed for now, a final court decision or a change in government policy could impact the program.

For first-time applications, it is not safe or possible to apply for DACA in 2025. As of now, a federal court injunction prohibits USCIS from approving initial DACA requests. If you submit a first-time application, it will likely be held by USCIS without adjudication. You will pay the filing fees, but your application will not be processed.

Given the legal complexities, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney or a Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representative. They can provide the most current information on DACA’s legal status. They can assess your individual circumstances. They can advise you on the safety and advisability of applying, whether for renewal or if any changes occur that allow new applications. They can also explore alternative immigration pathways that might be available to you.