How can a DACA student become a citizen?
William Rodriguez
Updated on April 16, 2026
The DACA program does not provide a direct path to permanent residence (green card). However, certain individuals with deferred action can apply for permanent residence in the United States. In other words, under current immigration law, no individual can apply for a green card on the basis of having DACA.
Keeping this in consideration, can a DACA recipient apply for citizenship?
Unlike the proposed DREAM Act, DACA does not provide a path to citizenship for recipients. The policy, an executive branch memorandum, was announced by President Barack Obama on June 15, 2012. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting applications for the program on August 15, 2012.
Additionally, why can't dreamers apply for citizenship? Almost all Dreamers do not have a close family member who is U.S. citizen or who has permanent legal status, making it almost impossible to obtain a green card. That bill would provide a pathway for Dreamers to become U.S. citizens, as well as take away the threat of deportation.
Consequently, can dreamers apply for citizenship?
Introduced this month, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 offers a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers as well as immigrants eligible for TPS and DED. They have lived in the United States for at least four years prior to the bill's enactment date. They were under age 18 upon their arrival in the United States.
Can DACA marry US citizen?
Eligibility. If you are currently a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient and are married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you may be eligible for a marriage-based green card of your own.
Related Question Answers
Can you buy a house with DACA?
Yes. You can get a mortgage if you're in the DACA program, but your options for financing are limited. Your DACA status makes you ineligible for certain types of loans. A lawful, non-permanent resident is eligible for most types of mortgages, including FHA and conventional loans.What if a DACA recipient marries a citizen?
If you hold DACA status and then marry a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for a green card based on your marriage. You would need to meet the main eligibility requirements for getting a marriage-based green card.Can DACA recipients get disability?
SSA properly verified eligibility for OASDI benefits paid to non-citizens granted DACA status. Finally, SSA improperly paid three DACA recipients $42,831 in SSI payments. DACA recipients are not eligible to receive SSI payments.Can I go to Hawaii with DACA?
Please be aware that for travel to any location other than the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, you must have advance parole from USCIS prior to departure, just as with any other international travel.Can you go to a shooting range if you have DACA?
Federal law does not require ammunition sellers to conduct background checks to determine if a prospective ammunition purchaser falls into a prohibited category, however." Federal law prohibits DACA from owning, purchasing, selling firearms and ammo. Even at a gun range.Can I join the military if I have DACA?
From 2014 to 2016, DACA recipients could earn a path to citizenship by enlisting in the military and completing basic training through a program called MAVNI. That stands for Military Accessions Vital to National Interest. But, by 2016, the military had identified security threats within the program.How can a DACA become a permanent resident?
Two Ways to Transition from DACA to Green Card Through Marriage- Establish eligibility – By being married to a U.S. citizen you are automatically eligible.
- Get an I-130 petition approved – You need to complete and file an I-130 petition with the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
