“Deferred action” on deportation proceedings is a delay on removal from the U.S. for two years after the acceptance of a DACA application. DACA recipients can continue to seek renewal of this status indefinitely—a process which they must complete every two years in order to remain in the United States—and are legally allowed to work here.
Although DACA is meant to prevent undocumented immigrants who grew up in the U.S. from being deported, it does not make them legal residents in the traditional sense. There is currently no pathway for DACA recipients to obtain a Green Card or become a naturalized citizen. However, this could change in the near future. An informed local attorney can discuss potential policy updates and upcoming DACA revisions with immigrants in Wheaton looking to learn more about their future options under the policy.