Earlier this month, the White House announced that it intends to expand options for DACA recipients and undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. In order to be eligible for the expanded options, noncitizens must have – as of June 17, 2024 – resided in the U.S. for 10 or more years and be married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements.

For nearly 600,000 immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program provides work permits, Social Security numbers, and, for some, financial aid for education.

Following the announcement this month, DACA recipients who have earned a degree at an accredited university or college in the U.S. and have received an employment offer in a field related to their degree may more quickly receive work visas.

In addition, the new processes will support some noncitizen spouses and children in applying for permanent residency without having to leave the country. According to the White House, this action will protect approximately half a million spouses and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21.

The Biden administration is expected to release more details about the new processes and eligibility. Support resources at Stanford are available on the undocumented.stanford.edu website, which will continue to be updated. Students needing assistance connecting with resources related to DACA or undocumented status may reach out to fordreamers@stanford.edu. The inbox is secure and will be answered by student affairs staff.