Explainer: Dreamers in the US and Their Association with DACA

In the complex landscape of immigration policy in the United States, the term "Dreamers" has emerged as a symbol of hope, uncertainty, and perseverance. These young individuals, often referred to as Dreamers, are undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. 

Why are they called Dreamers? 

The group of undocumented immigrants who have spent most of their lives in the US are called the Dreamers. They are often referred to as Dreamers due to their connection to the proposed DREAM Act, which aimed to provide them with legal status in exchange for pursuing higher education or military service. Despite several iterations, the DREAM Act faced challenges and was voted down in the Senate in December 2010. However, the name stuck and remains synonymous with this group of young immigrants.

DACA: Protection and Possibilities

There are roughly 580,000 active DACA recipients in the US, as of December 31, 2022. Over one in four (28%) active DACA recipients reside in California, with another 17% living in Texas, 5% in Illinois, 4% in New York, 4% in Florida, and the remaining 42% distributed in other states across the country. Notably, Mexico is the largest country of origin among accepted DACA applicants, followed by El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
 
Applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible for DACA:

• They must have arrived in the United States before the age of 16.
• They should have continuously resided in the US since June 15, 2007.
• They must have been under the age of 30 when the Department of Homeland Security enacted the policy in 2012.

DACA: What It Provides

DACA has allowed recipients to step out of the shadows and gain several essential benefits, such as:

• Obtaining valid driver's licenses.
• Enrolling in colleges and universities.
• Legally securing employment.
• Fulfilling their tax obligations, contributing to the US economy.

However, DACA does not offer a pathway to US citizenship or even legal permanent residency, leaving recipients in a state of limbo, as highlighted by immigrant rights advocates.

Duration of DACA Deferral

Under DACA, Dreamers could apply to defer deportation and legally reside in the United States for two years, after which they could apply for renewal. However, currently, officials state that they are not accepting any new applications. The future of Dreamers has now come to an uncertain point yet again.