Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

On June 15, 2012, President Obama announced that DHS would no longer remove certain young immigrants under an executive order now known as DACA.

DACA’s purpose, as explained by President Obama, is to “[stop] expel[ling] talented young people, who … [have] been raised as Americans; understand themselves to be part of this country … [and] who want to staff our labs, or start new businesses, or defend our country.”

DACA is a form of “deferred action”, a discretionary grant of authorized stay by the Federal Government. Deferred action granted through DACA is valid for two years and is subject to renewal for an additional two years.

DACA mandates that persons who are granted “deferred action” will be eligible to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a federal work permit, and a Social Security number. In other words, those granted “deferred action” and in possession of an EAD are legally authorized to work in the United States. As of March 31, 2016, USCIS has approved over 1.3 million initial and renewal requests for DACA.  President Trump has stated he will continue the program, despite threats by several conservative parties to challenge it in court.

DACA recipients are not the only class of immigrants who have legal work authorization, but may not meet P&G’s narrow alienage requirements. P&G’s imposed condition for entering into a work contract also discriminates against individuals who have been granted legal temporary residence or fiancé/e status and are legally authorized to work. P&G’s policy also discriminates against survivors of severe forms of trafficking and serious criminal activity for whom Congress has provided visas and work authorization.