Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Definition

DACA is a U.S. immigration policy that allows some individuals who were brought to the country as children without legal permission to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit. It was established by the Obama administration in June 2012 as an executive action.

Related terms

Executive Order: An order issued by the U.S. president directing federal agencies on how to use their resources, such as the one that initiated DACA.

Immigration Reform: Efforts or legislative actions intended to change or improve immigration policies, laws, or procedures.

Deportation: The formal removal of an immigrant from a country where they are not legally allowed to stay