DACA just turned 12, but its days may be numbered

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy (DACA) celebrated its 12th anniversary on Saturday. The milestone comes as the Obama-era program, which applies to more than half-a-million undocumented migrants, faces an uncertain future.

Background: DACA protects immigrants who were brought illegally to the US as children from being deported, and allows them to apply for a renewable work authorization upon reaching adulthood (which includes a Social Security number). However, DACA recipients – aka “Dreamers” – aren’t provided lawful immigration status or a path to US citizenship.

• The program’s history has been marked by legal and political challenges since it was enacted in 2012, including an attempt from former President Trump’s administration to overturn DACA that was struck down by the Supreme Court.
• DACA’s current legal predicament stems from a 2021 court ruling that declared the program unlawful and banned new applications, but also allowed current Dreamers to keep their coverage while the appeals process plays out (likely all the way to SCOTUS).

Outside of the courtroom, DACA is facing another existential threat. Barring any presidential or congressional action, all undocumented migrants entering adulthood will cease to qualify for DACA protections and work permits starting next year, since they would have entered the US after the program’s required arrival date of June 2007.

Zoom out: Immigration is shaping up as a key issue for US voters heading into November’s presidential election. Over a quarter of Americans (27%) say immigration is the most important problem facing the US right now, with the issue topping Gallup’s trend report for the third straight month (its longest such streak since 2000).

📊 Flash poll: In general, do you support the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy (DACA)?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure/other