On Dec. 23, 2024, the court blocked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing the new DACA rule in the 19 states that were involved in the lawsuit. DACA recipients can still enroll in health insurance and qualify for financial help through Covered California.
What happened: On January 17th, 2025 the 5th Circuit Court once again ruled against DACA, but kept renewals open–for now. This ruling is part of ongoing, deliberate attacks to undermine immigrant communities, limit opportunities, and enable mass deportation.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have been authorized to apply for a DL/ID since June 15, 2012, upon presentation of documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
If an employer asks if you will require visa sponsorship to work legally, answer “No.” Active DACA holders already have work authorization through EADs. DACA recipients work at 72% of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies – including Apple, Amazon, General Motors, JPMorgan Chase, Home Depot, Walmart, and Wells Fargo.
A recent federal rule change will allow recipients of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) to sign up for a health plan through Covered California. Eligible DACA recipients can receive financial help if they qualify.
Benefits Available for DACA Recipients in California The program lasts for two years at a time, and may be renewed. Immigrant youth who obtain DACA– we'll call them DACA recipients or “DACAmented” individuals – are eligible for work permits.
Your Green Card (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card) is evidence of your employment authorization. You also do not need to apply for an EAD if you have a nonimmigrant status that authorizes you to work for a specific employer incident to your status (for example, you are an H-1B, L-1B, O, or P nonimmigrant).
One of the main benefits of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) is the work permit that comes with it. Your employer cannot discriminate against you because you are working under DACA protection.
There is currently no category for DACA. No Lawful Status (NLS) would be the most appropriate option for a DACA recipient filing their I-765. Form I-821D: Were you initially granted deferred action under DACA by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
Individuals who demonstrate that they meet the guidelines below may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) for a period of 2 years, subject to renewal for a period of 2 years, and may be eligible for employment authorization.