What are my rights and options as a DACA recipient?

This is general information, not legal advice.

What does DACA give me?

Two things, for a set time shown on your approval:

1. Deferred action. The government has agreed not to deport you during that time, unless it ends your DACA for a reason, such as a disqualifying crime. Time in DACA does not count as "unlawful presence."
2. A work permit. You can work for any employer, legally.

DACA is not a legal status. It does not by itself lead to a green card or citizenship. That is why checking your other options matters.

What can I do with my work permit?

• Work legally. Show your work permit to your employer for Form I-9.
• Get a Social Security number. Social Security gives numbers to noncitizens whom DHS allows to work. Applying is free. Bring your original work permit and other papers Social Security asks for.
• Get a California REAL ID or driver's license. The DMV says DACA recipients can get a REAL ID while their papers are current. It expires the same day as your work permit, and you must renew in person.
• Build credit and open accounts with your Social Security number. See Build credit without a Social Security number if you are still waiting for one.

What are my rights at work?

The same as every worker in California. State law says its work protections apply to everyone, whatever their immigration status. You have the right to minimum wage, overtime, breaks, paid sick days and a safe workplace. Your boss cannot punish you for speaking up.

If you are cheated, file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner at 833-526-4636. See Your rights at work and How to file a wage claim.

What about college?

DACA students in California can pay in state tuition at public colleges if they qualify. The University of California lists DACA recipients among those who can be classified as residents. California State University says the same.

For state financial aid, use the CA Dream Act Application, not the FAFSA. For 2027 to 2028, the deadline is March 2, 2027, or September 2, 2027 for community college (CSAC, checked October 21, 2026). A federal lawsuit (United States v. Newsom) challenges in state tuition and state aid for undocumented students. As of October 21, 2026 the court has not ruled, and both are still in effect. Apply as usual. See Paying for college in California and How to apply for the CA Dream Act.

Can I get Medi-Cal?

In California, yes. Adults with DACA can still newly enroll in full scope Medi-Cal, according to the DHCS eligibility chart (checked October 21, 2026). Two changes are coming for DACA recipients and others in the same group:

• January 1, 2027: your care moves to Fee for Service. Use your Medi-Cal BIC card. Health plan cards will stop working.
• July 1, 2027: adults 19 to 59 will need to pay a monthly premium to keep full Medi-Cal, and adult dental becomes emergency only. The governor will set the exact amount in May 2027, between $30 and $50 a month. More: Medi-Cal changes in 2027.

Questions? Call the Medi-Cal Help Line at 1-800-541-5555. See Medi-Cal for adults in 2026.

What are my rights if police or ICE stop me?

You have the right to stay silent with an immigration officer. If you are arrested in California, you have the right to a lawyer. Adults who are not citizens must carry proof of registration. Your work permit counts as that proof today, so carry it. California law also limits how state and local police can help immigration agents.

DACA information is generally not used to start deportation cases, with exceptions for crimes, fraud and safety threats. But DHS has said DACA recipients are not automatically protected, and some have been detained. Know your rights before you need them. See Your rights with DACA and Make a family preparedness plan.

Is there a path to a green card?

Maybe. DACA does not give one, but you may qualify another way. Ask a lawyer about:

• Family: marriage to a U.S. citizen, or a U.S. citizen child who is 21 or older. Immediate relatives of citizens are excused from some bars.
• Crime victims: a U visa, or a T visa for trafficking survivors.
• Abuse by a citizen or green card holder family member: VAWA lets you apply on your own.
• Young people under 21 abused, neglected or abandoned by a parent: Special Immigrant Juvenile status.
• Work: an employer sponsored green card, in some cases.

How you entered the U.S. matters a lot. Getting a green card from inside the U.S. usually requires that you were inspected and admitted or paroled. Only a lawyer can tell you which path fits. See DACA and the path to a green card.

What should I never do?

• Never say you are a U.S. citizen, on any form.
• Never vote, unless the law lets you.
• Never travel outside the U.S. without advance parole and a lawyer's advice. Since August 13, 2026, even a trip with advance parole can trigger the 3 or 10 year bar for people with past unlawful presence (USCIS Form I-131 page).

Each of these can close doors for good. See What must I do to keep my DACA?

Who can help?

A free screening is one of the best things you can do for yourself. These are free or low cost legal services. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• California Department of Social Services: map of state funded immigration legal services. Call (916) 651-8017.
• Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (for low income San Mateo and Santa Clara county residents): (650) 326-6440
• Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (for San Mateo County residents): (650) 558-0915
• Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Redwood City office: (650) 587-1558 to book a free first consultation (appointments only, no drop ins).
• San Mateo County Immigrant Services (for San Mateo County residents): (650) 363-4194
• For Santa Clara County residents: Office of Immigrant Relations partners
• California Attorney General, immigrant information: oag.ca.gov/immigrant, email immigration@doj.ca.gov

Only a lawyer or a DOJ accredited representative may give you immigration legal advice. See Warning signs of an immigration scam.

Related questions

• What workplace rights do DACA recipients have?
• Can my employer treat me differently because of DACA?
• What should DACA recipients do now?

You have more rights than you may think, and more options than DACA alone. Take one step today.