A federal court hearing scheduled for next week could decide whether the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA — which allows people who came to the U.S. as children to stay and work here — can continue.
This decision could affect thousands of people across the U.S., including current Connecticut DACA recipients who are renewing their status. In Connecticut, as of June 2024, there are 2,930 active DACA recipients.
According to USCIS, from August 15, 2012 to June 30, 2024, in Connecticut:
6,050 initial applications were accepted for processing, but 4,955 were approved.
18,292 renewal applications were accepted, with 17,949 approved.
Overall, 24,342 applications have been accepted, and 22,904 have been approved.
Starting Nov. 1, DACA recipients will be eligible to get health insurance coverage through state-based marketplaces. This change is part of a new rule by the Biden administration that updates the definition of “lawfully present” to include DACA recipients under the Affordable Care Act. This means DACA recipients living in Connecticut can now apply for health and dental insurance plans through Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance marketplace.
The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are 12,000 DACA-eligible individuals in Connecticut as of 2023. This includes unauthorized youth who have been in the U.S. since 2007, were under 16 at arrival, and under 31 as of 2012. The estimate includes both current and past DACA recipients.
What is DACA?
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program for people who came to the U.S. as children. It allows them to stay and work in the U.S. for two years, with the option to renew, but it does not give the recipients legal status. DACA was strengthened in 2022, but some states have taken legal action to end the program.
Legal challenges and current status
In September 2023, a judge ruled that DACA has legal issues, but current DACA recipients can continue to renew their status. New DACA applications are not being accepted for now. The court hearing on Oct. 10 will determine the program’s future.