Student Services
Undocumented Students
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

An executive order created under the administration of President Barack Obama, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allows individuals who came to the U.S. as children and meet guidelines to request consideration of deferred action for two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization.

Qualifications

Individuals who may qualify for DACA are those who:

Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
Came to the United States before their 16^th
Continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present time.
Were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS.
Had no lawful status as of June 15, 2012.
Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States
Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

For information and assistance with DACA applications and renewals, check out United We Dream.

Applying for DACA

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer accept or process first-time new applications for deferred action.

It is important to renew your DACA at least 6 months before your DACA expires. Recipients who qualify for this renewal should contact an immigration attorney or Board of Immigration Appeals accredited organization to initiate the renewal process. You may also receive assistance through Finyourally.com if you are a student, staff, and faculty at a California Community College.

Who can renew?

You may request a renewal if you met the initial 2012 DACA guidelines and you:

Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance-parole;
Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved; and
Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
If you file after your most recent DACA period expired, but within one year of its expiration.

*If you are still not sure whether you may apply for DACA renewal or not please contact a legal service provider.