What are the eligibility requirements for the DACA program?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA, has specific eligibility requirements that must be met for individuals to qualify for this immigration relief. To be eligible for DACA, applicants typically need to meet several criteria. First, they must have been brought to the United States before reaching their sixteenth birthday. Additionally, applicants must have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, and must have been present in the country on that date. Furthermore, applicants must be either currently enrolled in school, have graduated from high school, or have obtained a General Educational Development certificate. It is also required that applicants do not have a felony conviction or a significant misdemeanor. Individuals applying for DACA must demonstrate that they do not pose a threat to national security or public safety. Moreover, it is important that applicants are age-wise between sixteen and thirty years old when they apply, which means they should not have turned thirty by the time of their application. DACA is granted on a case-by-case basis, and the status is valid for two years, with the option to request renewal. For those interested in DACA, the official USCIS website provides more detailed information and resources, making it a key reference for prospective applicants.