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DictionaryIdentity and taxes

DACA: what it means

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy set out in federal regulations. Deferred action is a discretionary decision by the government not to pursue a person's removal for a limited period.

In Spanish it is

DACA

Also written as: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals · deferred action

The full explanation

According to the regulation, it gives no right to remain in or reenter the country, and the government may start removal proceedings at any time. While it lasts, USCIS may grant work authorization to recipients who show economic need, and the person is considered lawfully present only for certain purposes. USCIS decides each case and may also end it.

An example

Karla has DACA. To learn what it means in her case before filing anything, she makes an appointment with an accredited representative at an organization recognized by the Department of Justice.

You will see it in…

  • USCIS notices about deferred action
  • Your work permit (EAD)
  • Some lenders' questions about your immigration status

Words that go with it

You will rarely see this word alone. These are the ones that show up with it on the same papers.

A pregnant woman reads paperwork on the sofa while the grandmother plays with the girl on the floor.

Still confused by a paper?

A HUD-approved housing counselor can walk you through it. Agencies usually charge little or nothing, many work in Spanish, and they do not sell you anything.

Official sources

We sum up what these official sources say, in plain words. We add no rules they do not state; when a rule changes, the definition and its date change.

  1. 1. Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School) · 8 CFR § 236.21: applicability (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) (external site) · in English · Verified on October 17, 2026
  2. 2. Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School) · 8 CFR § 236.22: discretionary determination (external site) · in English · Verified on October 17, 2026
  3. 3. Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School) · 8 CFR § 236.23: procedures for request, terminations, and restrictions on information use (external site) · in English · Verified on October 17, 2026
  4. 4. Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School) · 8 CFR § 1.3: lawfully present aliens for purposes of applying for Social Security benefits (external site) · in English · Verified on October 17, 2026