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DACAmented/Undocumented Students

In March 2017, the State Board of Education approved a resolution affirming that Oregon schools ensure the safety and well-being of all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status or documentation status. The resolution urged school districts to prioritize six specific actions to uphold this commitment.

Following the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in September 2017, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in collaboration with legislators, state agencies, culturally specific community-based organizations, and other partners, developed a DACAmented/Undocumented resource and guidance to create, maintain, and nurture equitable, inclusive, and welcoming environments for all students, families, and employees in Oregon’s schools.

​What is DACA?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was an executive action initiated in 2012 under President Barack Obama. It allowed certain people  who came to the U.S. as children, and met several guidelines, to apply for temporary protection from deportation (deferred action) for a period of two years. They would also be eligible to request work authorization. In September 2017, the Trump administration announced its end and since, there have been numerous court appeals in recent years:​
  • June 2020 Supreme Court ruled the Trump’s Administration’s termination of DACA violated the Administrative Procedures Act
  • July 2021 DACA program declared unlawful by Texas District Court Judge Hanen
  • September 2023 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled DACA Final Rule unlawful
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
  • ​Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
  • Have entered  the U.S. before their 16th birthday;
  • Have continuously lived in the U.S. since  June 15th 2007;
  • Be physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2017 and at the time of application;
  • Have entered the U.S. without documents before June 15th, 2012, or before have lawful status that expired; before that date; 
  • Be currently enrolled in school, have graduated from high school or earned a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or military (technical and trade school completion also qualified); and
  • Have no significant criminal offenses ​​
What DACA is not?

DACA is not a pathway to citizenship or permanent residency. It is a temporary measure to provide limited protections. Advocates continue to call for permanent legislative solutions.

Who are DACA recipients?

Oregon’s DACA recipients represent a diverse community. They come from many regions of the world, including Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. DACA recipients serve in critical fields such as:​
  • Education
  • Healthcare and emergency response
  • Law enforcement and public safety
  • Transportation and logistics
  • Community and government service
  • Information and technology
  • Business owners
  • Military service
Where is DACA now?
DACA remains active but faces ongoing legal challenges and an uncertain future. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against DACA on January 17, 2025, declaring it unlawful. However, the court maintained a stay that allows current DACA recipients to continue renewing their protections.;

Individuals who had obtained DACA on or before July 16, 2021, remain protected and can renew their DACA status and work authorization. Currently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept and process DACA renewal requests. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is not processing new DACA applications.

Recently Released 2.7.25: Supporting All of Oregon's Students: Guidance for protecting and upholding the rights of immigrant students in Oregon’s K-12 public schools​

​DACA Information

​​Scholarships and Higher Education Resources

Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Law

  • Oregon Department of Justice Sanctuary Community Toolkit and Resources/Videos
  • ORS 180.805(1)(a) defines a federal immigration authority as:
    • United States Department of Homeland Security | U. S. DHS
    • United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement | U. S. ICE​
    • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services | U. S. CIS
    • United States Customs and Border Protections or a successor agency | U.S. CBP
    • Any other entity or person to which a federal immigration agency gives the authority to detect, investigate, or enforce violations of immigration law
Resources for Supporting Students Social and Emotional and Mental Health
Data Security and Student Privacy
Resources for Supporting Families
Resources from National Partners/Organizations

For any questions, please reach out to ode.mme@ode.oregon.gov.​