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DACA Immigration Policy

What are DACA Services (and How Do They Function?)

October 04, 2023

In order to fully grasp the concept of DACA Services, it is crucial to unpack the acronym itself: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This policy, announced in 2012, is an executive action taken by former president Barack Obama to protect undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children from deportation.

The policy positions itself in the niche of immigration law where, rather than providing a path to citizenship, it offers temporary relief from deportation and grants work authorization to eligible individuals. It's a regulatory pause on life-altering actions, a form of prosecutorial discretion, and a key player in the broader debate on immigration reform.

The 'who' of this policy is crucial to its understanding. The recipients of DACA, often referred to as 'Dreamers', a moniker derived from the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors), must meet a stringent set of criteria. Notably, they must have arrived in the U.S. before their 16th birthday, must be younger than 31 as of June 15, 2012, have lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and must be in school, have a diploma or GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran.

It’s a policy that dwells in the realm of the executive branch, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) overseeing the applications and renewals. It's a policy deeply ensconced in the contemporary and historical complexities of U.S. immigration. It's a policy that exists in a delicate diplomatic balance, its very existence repeatedly challenged in courts of law.

The DACA policy functions in a cyclical two-year system. Once an individual’s application is accepted, they receive deferred action and work authorization for a two-year period. After this term, they must apply for renewal. Herein lies a tension point, introducing uncertainty into the lives of Dreamers, who must navigate this complex process every two years, against the ever-shifting backdrop of immigration politics.

From an economic standpoint, the implications of DACA are multi-faceted. As Dreamers gain work authorization, they invariably contribute to the economy through taxes. A 2020 study from the Center for American Progress revealed that DACA recipients and individuals eligible for DACA contribute an estimated $8.7 billion annually in federal, state, and local taxes.

Simultaneously, the potential vulnerability of this group cannot be overlooked. With its temporary nature and cyclical renewals, there is an undulating ebb and flow of security and insecurity. The threat of deportation and the constant political debates surrounding the policy contribute to an environment of instability, which can impact the mental and physical health of these individuals and their families.

From a legal perspective, the DACA policy creates a fascinating precedent in constitutional law, touching on issues of executive power, the rights of undocumented immigrants, and the scope of administrative law. In the landmark Supreme Court case Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California, the court ruled in favor of DACA, arguing that the decision to rescind it was arbitrary and capricious.

In conclusion, DACA Services encompass a rich and complicated tapestry of legal, economic, and sociopolitical threads. The policy is a fundamental part of the larger immigration debate, a real-life example of the power dynamic between the executive and judicial branch, and a crucial element in the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals in the United States. As we continue to examine and discuss DACA, it's essential to remember the intricate interplay of forces at work.

Related Questions

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a policy announced in 2012 by former president Barack Obama. It protects undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children from deportation, and grants them temporary relief and work authorization.

The recipients of DACA, often referred to as 'Dreamers', must meet a stringent set of criteria. They must have arrived in the U.S. before their 16th birthday, be younger than 31 as of June 15, 2012, have lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and must be in school, have a diploma or GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran.

The DREAM in DREAM Act stands for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors.

Once an individual’s application is accepted, they receive deferred action and work authorization for a two-year period. After this term, they must apply for renewal.

DACA recipients and individuals eligible for DACA contribute an estimated $8.7 billion annually in federal, state, and local taxes, according to a 2020 study from the Center for American Progress.

In the Supreme Court case Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California, the court ruled in favor of DACA, arguing that the decision to rescind it was arbitrary and capricious.

With its temporary nature and cyclical renewals, DACA introduces uncertainty into the lives of Dreamers. The threat of deportation and the constant political debates surrounding the policy contribute to an environment of instability, which can impact the mental and physical health of these individuals and their families.
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