DACA stands for the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals
It is immigration policy started by the Obama administration in June 2012 that allows certain undocumented immigrants in the United States who entered the country as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of 1) deferred action from deportation and 2) eligibility for a work permit.
Requirements:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- In other words you born after June 15, 1981
- 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 USICS;
- Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- In other words you were undocumented 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 or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
* Note you must be 15 years or older to apply for DACA
You may only apply for DACA before the age of 15, IF and only IF you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order.
Source: https://www.undocumedia.org/daca/