What is DACA?
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, better known as DACA, temporarily shielded certain child immigrants (often called Dreamers) from deportation and made them eligible for work permits. It was considered a temporary measure until Congress addressed immigration reform.
Who is eligible for DACA?
To qualify, immigrants had to have been under 31 at the time the program was announced (2012), have come to the U.S. before reaching their 16th birthday, have lived in the U.S. continually since June 15, 2007, and have no criminal record. About 1.6 million children qualified for DACA, but not all registered for the program.
Why did DACA end?
Last September, Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared that DACA would end on March 5th. The administration said the deadline would force Congress to find a substitute for DACA. Congress has not found a substitute and, in the meantime, Dreamers are in limbo and Federal judges have ordered the administration to accept renewals to prevent deportation.
How many people have DACA?
The total number of DACA recipients, reported by Department of Homeland Security, is around 800,000.
What can I do?
Pray that congress would act and debate immigration reform. Please advocate on behalf of Dreamers who have no country to go back to and have no other way to become legal residents of the U.S. For more information visit http://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com
