What is DACA?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a policy program that was first implemented in 2012 under President Barack Obama. DACA protects roughly 800,000 young individuals who arrived in the United States unlawfully as children. These children are known as “dreamers,” Although DACA does not provide them with a clear path to citizenship, it offers qualifying recipients protection from deportation for a renewable, two-year period. Despite DACA not securing citizenship for recipients, it does allow individuals to pursue an education, obtain work permits, and more. There are varying “cans” and “cants” for DACA recipients, and if you are considering applying, it will benefit you to learn what they are. To understand some of the stipulations, continue reading.

DACA Recipients Can: 

  • Apply to renew their temporary stay, two years at a time.
  • Must pay taxes.
  • Apply for a driver’s license; however, their license will be marked as unable for federal use, such as to vote.

DACA Recipients Cannot:

  • Vote
  • Receive federal benefits, such as financial aid, food stamps, or social security.
  • Receive a pathway to citizenship.

DACA Recipients Have a lot at Stake! 

Receiving an education or landing a dream job isn’t all DACA recipients are concerned about. Most DACA recipients only know of life in the United States, resulting in many having children of their own, making them United States citizens. Evidently, the uncertainty of DACA recipients’ immigration status can be detrimental to their children’s health and well-being. Many children of DACA recipients are left to wonder what will happen if their parents are deported.

The varying uncertainties that lie within being a DACA recipient have proven to create anxiety for the recipients themselves and their families and loved ones. What’s important to consider with DACA recipients is how much they contribute to our country. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, “DACA recipients contribute $1.2 billion annually in federal, state, and local tax revenue.” In the event that DACA was to be repealed, all of that tax revenue would vanish. The critical thing to note here is that DACA recipients benefit the United States in many more ways than just one! Continue reading for more meaningful data and statistics.

DACA Statistics 

Professor Tom Wong of the University of California surveyed 1,308 DACA recipients, and the findings are staggering. According to Professor Wong’s survey:

  • 95% of DACA recipients are either currently working OR pursuing an education.
  • 63% of DACA recipients stated that they had received a better-paying job.
  • 54% of DACA recipients purchased their first vehicle.
  • 48% of DACA recipients could receive better jobs with better working conditions.
  • 12% of DACA recipients purchased homes.

According to Professor Wong’s findings in his survey, it is evident that DACA recipients are doing what they need to do to be integral to the United States.

Do You Qualify? 

It is essential to understand the qualifications before you apply for DACA. To qualify, the recipient must:

  • Be 15-30 years old.
  • Have arrived in the United States before they were 16 years of age.
  • Continuously resided in the United States for five years, at minimum.
  • Have been approved in an education course, completed high school, or been discharged from military services.
  • Must not have a felony, three or more misdemeanors, or be deemed a threat to public safety.

At Rivera Law, we believe in your rights and your future. We understand the importance of your DACA application and process; therefore, we are here to help YOU. If you believe you may qualify for DACA or you have questions about your application or status, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Rivera Law at 561-651-9322 OR visit our website now!