Are children able to apply for the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program?

Yes, children are able to apply for the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program in California. This program protects children who were brought to the United States without documentation, or without authorization, as minors. It also provides them with certain rights and protections in the U.S. In order to be eligible for the DACA program, an applicant must have come to the U.S. before their 16th birthday and must have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007. They must also be under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012 and must have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012. Furthermore, applicants must be able to prove that they are either 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. They must also not have been convicted of any felonies or significant misdemeanors. Children in California who meet these requirements can apply for DACA and receive some of the benefits associated with it, including protection from deportation, access to a social security number, and authorization to work in the U.S. It is important to note, however, that DACA does not provide permanent residency, nor does it guarantee a path to citizenship.

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La Ley de Inmigración en California contempla la posibilidad de que los niños puedan aplicar al programa DACA (Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia). Para que una persona sea elegible para el programa, debe cumplir con ciertos requisitos. Estos incluyen: haber llegado a los Estados Unidos cuando era menor de 16 años, estar en los Estados Unidos desde el 15 de junio de 2007, no haberse separado de forma ilegal de los EE.UU. después del 15 de junio de 2007, tener una educación secundaria o un título académico equivalente o estar en proceso de obtener uno, no tener antecedentes penales y no representar una amenaza a la seguridad nacional o a la seguridad pública. Si un niño cumple con estos requisitos, entonces es elegible para aplicar al programa DACA. Es importante señalar que el DACA no otorga un estatus permanente para los participantes; tan solo les ofrece una protección temporal contra la deportación. Además, no otorga un camino hacia la ciudadanía. Los participantes del programa DACA deben renovar sus beneficios cada dos años. Los niños que quieran aplicar al programa deben buscar orientación legal para conocer la documentación necesaria y los procesos a seguir.

Related FAQs

Are there any special considerations for a child to apply for an immigrant visa as an Orphan?
Are there any exceptions to the five-year residency requirement for children for naturalization?
Are children able to apply for humanitarian visas?
Can a child apply for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)?
Are there any exceptions to the two-year home country residency requirement for Naturalization for children?
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