DACA Agreements: Everything You Need to Know
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that provides temporary protection from deportation to individuals who were brought to the US as children. It was first introduced in 2012 by the Obama administration and has since been a controversial topic in US politics. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at DACA agreements, what they mean, and what the future holds for recipients.
What is a DACA Agreement?
A DACA agreement is a contract between an individual and the US government that outlines the terms and conditions of their eligibility for protection under the DACA program. Recipients must meet certain criteria, such as having arrived in the US before the age of 16, being under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, and having continuously resided in the US for at least five years. They must also be enrolled in school, have graduated from high school or obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the military.
Once an individual is approved for DACA protection, they are granted a two-year renewable work permit and are protected from deportation for the duration of their DACA status.
What is the Current Status of DACA Agreements?
The DACA program has been under threat since President Trump took office in 2017. In September of that year, the Trump administration announced plans to end the program, citing its potential illegality. However, several federal courts have ruled that the administration’s actions were unlawful, and the program has remained in place since then.
As of July 2021, DACA agreements are still being processed and renewed, and individuals who are eligible for DACA protection can still apply. However, the program’s future is uncertain as legal challenges continue to play out.
What is the Future of DACA Agreements?
The future of DACA agreements is largely dependent on the outcome of ongoing legal battles. In July 2021, a federal judge in Texas ruled that the DACA program is illegal and ordered that no new applications be accepted. However, he also allowed existing recipients to renew their DACA status, effectively maintaining the program for the time being.
The Biden administration has vowed to protect DACA recipients and provide a pathway to citizenship for them. In March 2021, the House of Representatives passed the American Dream and Promise Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for DACA recipients, as well as individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status. However, the bill has yet to pass in the Senate.
In the meantime, DACA recipients and their families face ongoing uncertainty and fear. The program’s future remains unclear, and the threat of deportation or losing their work permits looms large.
Conclusion
DACA agreements provide temporary protection from deportation and a work permit to individuals who were brought to the US as children. The program has been under threat since the Trump administration announced plans to end it in 2017, and its future remains uncertain. While DACA recipients and their families continue to face uncertainty and fear, legal battles and legislative efforts offer hope for a path to citizenship and permanent protection.