Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a U.S. immigration policy that protects certain undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children from deportation. It allows them to live, work, and study legally in the U.S. for renewable two-year periods. To qualify, applicants must meet specific age, residency, and education requirements.

To qualify for DACA, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must have arrived in the United States before their 16th birthday and have lived continuously in the country since June 15, 2007. Additionally, they must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, and physically present in the U.S. on that date. Educational requirements also apply; applicants must be in school, have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, or been honorably discharged from the military. They must also have a clean criminal record with no serious offenses.

DACA was created to protect young people who grew up in the United States but lack legal immigration status due to circumstances beyond their control. It offers them a reprieve from deportation and allows them to obtain work authorization. However, DACA does not grant permanent residency or citizenship, and its continuation has been subject to various legal and political challenges over the years. As a result, individuals interested in DACA should stay informed about the latest policy developments.