DACA stands for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which was started in 2012 by President Obama.
There is another program called DAPA, which is Deferred Action for Parents of Americans. This program keeps families together (so that they, and not only their children, are 'safe' in the U.S.) About 5 million people are part of this program. Most of them come from Mexico and Central America, and some from Asia.
- Entered the U.S. before June of 2007 and were 16 or younger at that time
- Can get a 2-year work permit or permit to go to college, and be exempt from deportation
- Can live, study, and work in the United States
- It does not give legal status to these people
- It does not give a path to citizenship for these people
- It must be renewed every two years
- There are close to 800,000 people in the U.S. who are part of DACA
- "Dreamers" have an acronym, too: Developmental Relief and Education for Alien Minors
- You may be able to receive a Social Security Number if you have a work permit
- You are not eligible for federal student aid but may still be eligible for some college aid, grants, or scholarships
- You may still fill out a FAFSA to see what aid you might be able to receive
- Some DACA recipients are currently in college or are nearly finished
Some more info:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/sep/04/donald-trump-what-is-daca-dreamers
Story of a young woman in the DACA program: What it's like to "not have papers," etc. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/news/a32545/undocumented-student-harvard/
Some personal stories of DACA participants:
How to become a U.S. Citizen:
If you were born in the U.S. or have one parent who is a citizen, then you probably are a U.S. citizen
If you aren't either of the above, you must follow steps to become a "Naturalized" Citizen. This means you need to fill out forms, be fingerprinted, have an interview and do tests in English and Civics. When you get the results, you will await the decision as to whether your application to become a citizen is accepted. Once it is, you will receive a notice to take the Oath of Citizenship at a ceremony where you will receive your citizenship papers.
Once you are a citizen, you have these responsibilities:
- Support and defend the U.S. Constitution
- Stay informed of issues affecting your community
- Participate in the democratic process (such as voting in elections)
- Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws
- Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others
- Participate in your local community
- Pay income and other taxes honestly and on time to federal, state, and local authorities
- Serve on a jury when called upon
- If necessary, defend the country should the need arise
