As of today, December 18, 2023, DACA is still in place, although its future remains uncertain due to ongoing legal challenges.

Here's a breakdown of the current situation:

Renewals are still being processed: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting and processing renewal applications for DACA recipients.
New applications are on hold: Due to a 2022 court ruling, USCIS is not currently accepting new applications for DACA.
Legal challenges ongoing: Several legal challenges to the DACA program are working their way through the courts, and their outcomes could ultimately determine the program's future.

It's essential to stay informed about DACA's latest developments and legal status. I recommend these reliable sources for accurate information:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): https://myaccount.uscis.gov/
National Immigration Law Center (NILC): https://www.nilc.org/daca-stories/
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): https://www.ilrc.org/

It's also crucial to consult with an immigration attorney specializing in DACA for personalized legal advice and guidance.

This information clarifies the current state of DACA and helps you stay informed.

Who are Dreamers?

►DREAMers are undocumented immigrants who came to this country at a young age (their average age of arrival is 7 years old) and have grown up in the United States. They have attended our K-12 schools and colleges and are a part of our communities.

►DACA recipients are often referred to as Dreamers after a similar legislation called the Dream Act, which was introduced in 2001 and would have given its beneficiaries a path to American citizenship. They now fall between the ages of 16 and 35.

►thedream.us

DACA Eligibility

►Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;

►Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;

►Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;

►Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

►Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;

►Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and

►Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three other misdemeanors and do not otherwise threaten national security or public safety.

Students with DACA Status: Filling Out the FAFSA

If you have DACA status, you can complete the FAFSA but must get a social security number first. DACA students can be eligible for social security. The Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program allows you to apply for Employment Authorization and Social Security at the same time. For more information about DACA and social security, download this helpful PDF from the Social Security Administration:

EN-05-10009.pdf

https://understandingfafsa.org/undocumented-students/

https://www.uscis.gov/DACA

Includes initial eligibility requirements used for some scholarships

IMPORTANT NOTICE — PLEASE READ

Visit https://www.uscis.gov/DACA for access to the links and more details.

April 12, 2022

Consistent with a court order issued in the State of Texas, et al., v. United States of America, et al., 1:18-CV-00068 (S.D. Tex. July 16, 2021), the Department of Homeland Security continues to accept the filing of both initial and renewal DACA requests, as well as accompanying requests for employment authorization. However, under the July 16, 2021, order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, DHS is prohibited from granting initial DACA requests.

For more information, visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d.

July 20, 2021 — On July 16, 2021, a U.S. district court in Texas issued a decision and injunction in Texas v. United States, holding that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is unlawful but allowing DACA to continue for current recipients and allowing, for now, for continued renewals. For further details, visit this site: https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca/