Which statement accurately describes DACA?

• A. Deferred Action for Child Arrivals; temporary protection from deportation for eligible individuals who arrived as children.
• B. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for eligible individuals who arrived as children.
• C. Direct Action for Children Arrivals; no deportation protection.
• D. Deferred Action for Childhood Admissions; full citizenship path.

Answer: (B)

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It provides temporary relief from deportation (deferred action) and, for those who are granted it, work authorization through an Employment Authorization Document. The program targets people who came to the United States as children and meet specific criteria, such as having arrived before age 16, maintaining continuous presence in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and not having serious criminal history, along with educational or other eligibility requirements. Importantly, DACA does not grant legal status or a pathway to citizenship, and it is not permanent—renewal is possible but not guaranteed. The other descriptions miss the work authorization, use an inaccurate name, or claim a citizenship path that does not exist.