DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a U.S. immigration policy established in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation for undocumented individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children. DACA recipients are granted temporary, renewable protection from deportation and employment authorization but are not given permanent legal status. While DACA does not offer a path to citizenship, it enables recipients to live, learn, and grow in the U.S. without fear of deportation, recognizing their right to stability and security and fostering a sense of belonging in the communities they call home.

‍CHALLENGES

Since its creation in 2012, DACA has faced numerous legal challenges. In 2017, the Trump administration attempted to end the program, leading to several lawsuits. Federal courts blocked the termination, ruling that the administration's actions were arbitrary. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld DACA, allowing it to continue, but did not rule on its legality.

Since then, DACA has faced additional challenges, with a federal judge in Texas ruling in 2021 that the program is unlawful, preventing new applicants from enrolling while allowing current recipients to renew. The program remains in legal limbo as it continues to be debated in the courts, and its future is uncertain pending further rulings, including potential Supreme Court decisions.

GOALS

Alianza Americas is working for:

• Elevate and amplify the lived experiences of DACA recipients and their families.
• Advocate for the full protection, expansion, and continuation of DACA, including acceptance of new applications and advanced parole, while championing a pathway to permanent residency for all who are all current DACA holders.
• Raise awareness of and advocate for the protection of thousands of undocumented youth who are not eligible for the current DACA program as it is written. 

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS 

Blog seriess

• In the face of uncertainty, my community’s embrace and collective healing is my hope. By Daniela Carvajal.

• Rising Above: Achieving Dreams Without DACA. By Giselle Rodríguez.

• Sowing the seeds for future generations. By Karina Alvarez Espinoza
• Broken dreams don't exist, stolen dreams do. By Luis López Reséndiz.

Interview clips

Short video series. Watch playlist

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Join the DACA working group, if you are a member.

Join our DACA working group

OTHER RESOURCES

• Known scholarships for DACA renewalssome text
  • https://www.missionassetfund.org/daca/
  • https://www.icirr.org/daca-fees 
• Link to legal battle timeline: https://www.fwd.us/news/daca-court-case/