11 Years of DACA

On June 15, 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was implemented in the United States, providing temporary relief for young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children. As we commemorate the eleventh anniversary of DACA, it is crucial to examine how the program has evolved and its continued importance.  

Background and Inception of DACA 

DACA was introduced by the Obama administration in response to the plight of undocumented immigrants, often referred to as "Dreamers," who arrived in the United States as minors. These individuals had grown up in the country and had deep roots, but lacked legal status. The program aimed to provide them with temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. 

Reasons for Implementation 

The primary motivation behind DACA was to address the predicament faced by young undocumented immigrants who, through no fault of their own, found themselves in legal limbo. They had been raised and educated in the United States and were contributing to their communities, but were at risk of deportation to countries they hardly knew. DACA sought to provide a reprieve from this uncertain future and offer opportunities for education, employment, and a more secure livelihood. 

Evolution of DACA 

Since its implementation, DACA has faced legal challenges and policy changes that have shaped its trajectory. In 2017, the Trump administration announced plans to rescind DACA, leading to a wave of uncertainty and anxiety among recipients. However, court battles ensued, resulting in multiple injunctions and ultimately allowing the program to continue. 

Throughout the years, DACA has provided tangible benefits to its recipients. It has granted temporary protection from deportation and allowed eligible individuals to obtain work permits, pursue higher education, and contribute to their communities openly. However, it is essential to note that DACA has always been a stopgap measure and not a pathway to permanent legal status or citizenship. 

Current Status and Path to Citizenship 

As of September 2021, there were approximately 616,030 active DACA recipients in the United States. These individuals must meet specific criteria, including arrival in the country before the age of 16, continuous residence since June 15, 2007, and educational or military service requirements. DACA protection lasts for two years and is subject to renewal. 

Despite the contributions and deep ties of DACA recipients to the United States, the path to citizenship remains elusive. While some have pursued other immigration options, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen or sponsorship by an employer, the absence of a direct pathway to citizenship for Dreamers has left them in a perpetual state of uncertainty. 

In the latest report fromFWD.us, almost 580,000 individuals are under DACA status.  

“Although most DACA recipients (81%) were born in Mexico, they live in communities all over the U.S. The largest share of DACA recipients (28%) lives in California, followed by Texas (17%); the rest are scattered in every state of the country,” the report shares. 

The Need for Continued Support 

DACA's eleventh anniversary serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform. The program has provided temporary relief to hundreds of thousands of young immigrants, whose average age now is 29 and average years living in the U.S.is 24. Enabling them to continue building their lives and contribute to society would seem to be part of the process. However, the absence of a permanent solution leaves their futures hanging in the balance, subject to changing political landscapes and legal challenges- and impact the U.S. economy as a whole if all these individuals were subject to deportation over citizenship. 

Nearly all DACA recipients, 99% according to the report, have graduated from high school, and about half have obtained some college education: 

“This first cohort of DACA recipients has increased their median income sevenfold since 2012, and since DACA’s start they have contributed $108 billion to the economy as well as $33 billion in combined taxes. Many are now building families too: more than one-third (39%) of DACA recipients in this cohort have married, and nearly half (48%) now have at least one child in the home.” 

While the program has offered temporary respite for undocumented individuals who arrived in the United States as children, it is imperative to recognize that DACA is not a permanent solution. The ongoing need for comprehensive immigration reform persists to provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers, ensuring that their contributions to society are fully recognized and valued.