Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

About DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is a Department of Homeland Security policy enacted in 2012 under President Obama that deferred the removal proceedings of certain eligible undocumented young people brought to the county as children for up to two years. A planned expansion of who qualified for the deferral of removal proceedings was blocked by the Supreme Court in 2016.

The expansion of DACA was rescinded by the Trump administration in 2017, and plans to phase the policy out entirely were announced later that year. The case is now being reviewed by the Supreme Court and a decision is expected in 2020.

Federal Law

DACA is a Department of Homeland Security policy that defers the removal proceedings of certain eligible undocumented youths for up to two years. In addition, youths would be given authorization to legally work in the United States of America. The policy was enacted on June 15, 2012, under President Obama.

Memorandum: Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children
Initial Department of Homeland Security Memorandum issued by Janet Napolitano, then-Secretary of Homeland Security on June 15th, 2012. This memorandum establishes exercising prosecutorial discretion in enforcing the immigration laws against certain young people brought to the country as children.

DACA Litigation

United States Department of Homeland Security, et al. v. Regents of the University of California, et al.
Supreme Court case related to the Trump administration's rescission of DACA. Consolidated with two other DACA cases: Trump v. NAACP and McAleenan v. Vidal. The Court's opinion was issued on June 18th, 2020, and states that the DACA program is allowed to continue at this time.

Understanding the Law

These resources cover specific aspects of the DACA program, including timelines, relevant court cases, rights for those participating in the DACA program, and more.

National Immigration Law Center- DACA
This page from the National Immigration Law Center provides guidance on how to apply for DACA, renew DACA, and other important information on DACA.
The Dream Act, DACA, and Other Policies Designed to Protect Dreamers
This fact sheet from American Immigration Council provides an overview of the Dream Act and other similar legislative proposals and explains changes made to DACA.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Response to January 2018 Preliminary Injunction
Announcement from USCIS that they will not be accepting new requests from individuals who have never before been granted deferred action under DACA. Issued July 17, 2019.
Litigation Related to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
A timeline from the National Immigration Law Center on DACA litigation.
DACA — ILRC
Immigrant Legal Resource Center's page on DACA has information and updates about the latest developments.
DACA (Justia)
This page from Justia links to articles on several different aspects of DACA, including school requirements, criminal bars to eligibility, employment info, and more.
The Facts on DACA
This page from FactCheck.org answers some basic questions about DACA.

E-Books

Texas residents can access e-books with a free library account.

AILA's immigration litigation toolbox : sample motions, pleadings, and memos for immigration court, BIA, AAO, DHS, DOL, and Federal courts
This e-book provides easy-to-use, printable sample forms for immigration lawyers, including motions, pleadings, and memos.
Breathe free : a guide to immigration
"Immigration law, which sets forth the rules on when and how a non-U.S. citizen may enter the country, is an integral part of our society. This guide is intended to give you a broad understanding of the process." - from the publisher
Understanding immigration law
This e-book provides a comprehensive, up to date look at immigration laws and procedures. Updated to include major changes by the Trump administration and important court rulings through 2019, this is a great primer for anyone interested in immigration law. Available as an e-book on OverDrive.