On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new initiative that allows undocumented immigrants, who entered the United States before their 16th birthday, who are low enforcement priorities and meet certain requirements to request consideration of deferred action.
Deferred Action is an exercise of prosecutorial discretion where the Department of Homeland Security agrees to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time.
DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals does not confer a substantive right, immigration status or pathway to citizenship in United States. However, the beneficiary of a DACA petition could be authorized to work and obtain an employment authorization document. This deferred action is granted for a period of two years and could be renewed.
Beneficiaries of DACA have been able to attend post-secondary institutions of education, improving their economic opportunities and social well-being.