Summary
Over 36 Democratic and independent U.S. senators are urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to clarify its stance on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA, started in 2012, allows children who arrived illegally before 2007 to stay in the U.S. temporarily, but officials recently noted it does not provide legal status.
Key Facts
- DACA was created in 2012 to protect children brought to the U.S. illegally before 2007.
- Over 500,000 people benefit from DACA, but it is not considered a legal status.
- Democratic and independent senators have expressed concern over DHS's recent statements encouraging DACA recipients to self-deport.
- DHS guidance indicates that DACA recipients are "not considered unlawfully present" during their deferred action period.
- DACA recipients must renew their status every two years and it does not guarantee citizenship.
- Public polls show that many Americans support a legal pathway for DACA recipients.
- Several DACA recipients have been arrested or detained under current immigration enforcement policies.
- Most DACA recipients come from Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala, according to government data.
