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Undocumented and DACA: History of DACA

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This guide is meant to serve as a starting point for Undocumented and DACA resources available on the WVC campus, the community, and on the free web. This research guide is not meant to be exhaustive and will be updated as new information, news, and resources arrive. Use the top navigation bar to review various resources from WVC Office of Student Needs, resources owned and subscribed to from the WVC Library and free resources from the free web.

History of DACA

Establishment of DACA

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Information below is used with permission from "Establishment of DACA " by Arizona State College of Law Librarians.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was established by the Obama Administration in June 2012.  It was announced by President Barack Obama on June 15, 2012 and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, began accepting DACA applications in August 2012.

Establishment
June 15, 2012 memorandum from the Secretary of Homeland Security - this Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo describes the guidelines for granting or reviewing an individual's deferred action.

November 20, 2014 memorandum from the Secretary of Homeland Security - this memo supplements and amends the guidance stated in the June 15, 2012 DHS memo; it reflects new policies for the use of deferred action.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (original information about DACA)
This archived page provides information on how individuals were able to request consideration of deferred action under DACA.

Rescission of DACA

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Information below is used with permission from "Rescission of DACA " by Arizona State College of Law Librarians

On September 5, 2017, the Trump Administration announced the phase out of the DACA program. Initial requests for deferred action under DACA are no longer being accepted; renewal requests from current DACA beneficiaries will be accepted until October 5, 2017.

September 5, 2017 memorandum from the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security - this memo rescinds the June 15, 2012 DHS memorandum entitled “Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children,” which established DACA and provides guidance on how DHS will adjudicate requests for DACA and associated applications.

Department of Homeland Security documents

Renewal DACA requests are currently being accepted indefinitely based on a federal court injunction. This DHS website has the most current information.

DACA Updates: Key Information for Recipients in 2025

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Information below is used with permission from "DACA Updates " by Arizona State College of Law Librarians

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DACA Updates: Key Information for Recipients in 2025

  1. Renewals Remain Available
    Individuals who currently hold Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status may continue to apply for renewal. As of 2025, the fee is $605 for paper applications and $555 for online submissions.

  2. Initial Applications Still Restricted
    While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to accept initial DACA applications, it remains legally barred from approving any first-time requests or issuing related employment authorization documents for applications submitted after July 16, 2021.

  3. Ongoing Legal Uncertainty
    In early 2025, a federal court decision found several components of the DACA program to be unlawful. However, the ruling did not terminate the program. Current recipients retain their status, but the future of DACA remains uncertain. Recipients are advised to stay informed and consult with qualified immigration counsel as needed.

  4. Employment and International Travel
    DACA recipients maintain authorization to work legally in the United States. However, international travel poses risks, as advance parole (travel authorization) remains limited. Legal consultation is strongly recommended prior to any travel outside the U.S.

  5. Lack of Permanent Legislative Protections
    As of 2025, DACA recipients—often referred to as “Dreamers”—still lack a permanent path to citizenship. Although legislative protections have yet to be enacted by Congress, advocacy efforts on behalf of Dreamers continue.

Additional Resources
For the most current updates on DACA, consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or visit the HAWM website for advocacy-related information.