As an immigration lawyer in the United States, one of the most common questions we receive is about the DACA process. DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, is a policy introduced by the Obama administration in 2012 to provide temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.

Since its introduction, DACA has been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of young people who have grown up in the United States and consider it their home, but are not authorized to be here.

To be eligible for DACA, an individual must have arrived in the United States before the age of 16, have lived in the country continuously for at least five years, and meet other strict criteria.

It is important to note that DACA is not a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. It is only a temporary solution, and recipients must renew their DACA status every two years.

However, the future of DACA is uncertain and the U.S. Immigration laws are constantly changing. If you are a DACA recipient or someone who is interested in applying for DACA, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you understand your options