DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a United States immigration policy implemented by the Obama administration in 2012. DACA provides temporary relief from deportation and offers eligible undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, often referred to as “Dreamers,” the opportunity to obtain work authorization and other benefits.

To qualify for DACA, individuals must meet specific criteria, including having arrived in the United States before the age of 16, continuously residing in the country since June 15, 2007, and being under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012. Additionally, applicants must have completed or be enrolled in school, obtained a high school diploma or equivalent, and have no significant criminal record.

Under DACA, eligible individuals receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action, during which they are protected from deportation and granted work authorization. DACA recipients, commonly known as Dreamers, can obtain a social security number and driver’s license, allowing them to legally work and contribute to society.

Since its implementation, DACA has provided relief to hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants, enabling them to pursue educational and employment opportunities and live without the constant fear of deportation. However, DACA’s future has been uncertain, with ongoing legal challenges and changes in presidential administrations affecting its status and implementation.