DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that allows eligible undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit. To be eligible for DACA, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012Came to the United States before their 16th birthday

Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time

Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making the DACA request

Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or their lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012

Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a General

Education Development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States

Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety

To apply for DACA, you need to complete and submit several forms, including:

Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Form I-765WS, Worksheet

Additionally, you must provide supporting documentation that proves you meet all the eligibility requirements. This can include proof of identity, proof of arrival in the United States before your 16th birthday, proof of continuous residence, and proof of your current education status or military service.

For renewals, you need to submit:

Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (renewal)

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Form I-765WS, Worksheet

It is recommended to submit your renewal application 120 to 150 days before your current DACA status expires.

Always check the USCIS website or consult with a legal professional for the most current forms and instructions.

If your DACA application is denied, it is important to understand the reason for the denial. Common reasons for denial can include incomplete applications, missing documentation, or not meeting the eligibility criteria. Unfortunately, there is no formal appeal process for DACA denials, but you may be able to reapply or address the issues that led to the denial in a new application. It is strongly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or legal expert to review your case and receive guidance on the best steps to take. In some cases, there may be other forms of relief or legal options available to you.