Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a special program created by President Obama through Executive Order that provides temporary authorization for undocumented persons who arrived as children to the U.S., to remain in the U.S. It defers the action of removing them from the U.S. for a specific period. During this time, they may study and work in the U.S. One must apply to the federal government for DACA and, under current policy, DACA can be renewed every two years.

Young people who are eligible for DACA protection are sometimes called “Dreamers,” referring to the proposed “Dream Act” which would have provided legal protection to these undocumented persons, but that Act did not get Congressional approval. Following its demise, President Obama issued the DACA Executive Order.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is still accepting and processing DACA applications. This Resource Page is intended to reinforce JMU’s support of DACA and all our students and to provide informational and support resources. 

James Madison University recognizes the inherent value and dignity of every Duke. Soon after President Obama signed the Executive Order, JMU began welcoming DACA students to campus. Since that time, they have excelled in and out of the classroom and we count them among our family. Recently, JMU President Jonathan Alger signed a statement, along with over 550 other university presidents and chancellors, calling for the continuation and expansion of DACA, and indicating support of all our DACA students. 

See President Alger's response to the rescission of DACA.

For past updates on the status of DACA, please see our DACA Archive.