The Top 12 DACA FAQs on Reddit

Every day, thousands turn to Reddit to ask questions about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), but finding reliable answers can be a challenge. Whether you’re renewing your DACA benefits or exploring long-term immigration options, the process can be confusing.

That’s where Boundless comes in.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 12 most frequently asked DACA questions on Reddit, along with clear answers you can trust.

Click on any of the questions below to jump to their answers:

1. Can DACA recipients still renew protections amid ongoing legal challenges?
2. What kind of healthcare can I get under DACA?
3. Do I need to report a traffic ticket in my DACA renewal application?
4. As a DACA recipient, how do I prove I was in the U.S. since 2007 if I didn’t attend primary school or go to a doctor?
5. Am I still eligible for DACA if I dropped out of high school?
6. My primary school has closed and I can’t request transcripts from them. Who should I contact instead?
7. Can DACA recipients travel to more than one country on Advance Parole?
8. Can I travel to Puerto Rico or another U.S. territory without Advance Parole?
9. Can I get a private loan under DACA?
10. Can I purchase a home under DACA?
11. As a DACA recipient, do I need to update USCIS if I move?
12. I’m a DACA recipient with a pending green card application. My DACA status expires next year. Should I renew my DACA while I’m waiting for my green card approval?

Disclaimer: The information on this page is not legal advice. Click here to learn more about Boundless Immigration’s lawyer-guided services.

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#1: Can DACA recipients still renew protections amid ongoing legal challenges?

Yes, DACA recipients can continue renewing their protections despite ongoing legal challenges. On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled certain aspects of the DACA program unlawful but allowed renewals to continue while further proceedings take place. Although new DACA applications are not being accepted, individuals who currently hold DACA or whose status expired within the past year can still apply for renewal. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is processing renewal applications unless future court decisions or policy changes alter the program’s status.

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#2: What kind of healthcare can I get under DACA?

As of July 2025, DACA is not considered an eligible immigration status for applying for health insurance through the Federal Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), so the type of health insurance available to a DACA recipient will depend on the state in which they live, and whether the state has any community programs or private providers who accept enrollment from DACA holders. Some DACA recipients may also be able to receive healthcare insurance through their jobs.

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#3: Do I need to report a traffic ticket in my DACA renewal application?

No, you do not need to report a traffic ticket in your DACA renewal application unless it was alcohol- or drug-related. For example, tickets for speeding or running a stop sign do not need to be reported, but DUI offenses must always be disclosed.

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#4: As a DACA recipient, how do I prove I was in the U.S. since 2007 if I didn’t attend primary school or go to a doctor?

To meet DACA’s eligibility requirement of continuous residence in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, you are not limited to school or medical records. USCIS accepts a variety of documentation to establish continuous presence, especially when school or medical evidence isn’t available. This includes:

• Parents’ Federal Income Tax Returns or Transcripts: You can use copies showing you were listed as a dependent.
• Housing Documents: Leases, rental receipts, utility bills (gas, electricity, water), cell phone bills, or other dated receipts in your family’s name with your (or your parent’s) address.
• Financial Records: Bank statements, credit card statements, canceled checks—these should show regular transactions in the United States.
• Community Service and Organizational Paperwork: Paperwork or enrollment forms from community service, health, or housing organizations showing your name and U.S. address.
• Religious Records: Records from churches, mosques, synagogues, or other places of worship. Examples include baptism, communion, bar/bat mitzvah, confirmation, or other public events you participated in while in the U.S..
• Birth Certificates of Siblings: If siblings were born in the United States during the relevant timeframe, providing copies of their birth certificates can help support your claim of residence.
• Affidavits: Sworn affidavits from relatives, friends, teachers, or religious leaders who have direct knowledge of your presence in the U.S. during periods not otherwise documented. Note: Affidavits cannot be the sole evidence for your entire presence but can be used to fill gaps. At least two affidavits are recommended for each gap period.
• Photographs: Dated photographs that clearly place you in the United States (such as at a family event, celebration, or location) can help establish your presence.
• Travel Records: If you flew, took a bus, or used other public transportation within the country, tickets or reservations showing your presence in the U.S. can be submitted.
• Other Records: Any documentation with your name, a date, and a U.S. address can help. Employment records, government correspondence, insurance records, or evidence of financial transactions all may be used.

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#5: Am I still eligible for DACA if I dropped out of high school?

No, if you dropped out of school or left an education program you will generally not be eligible for DACA or a DACA renewal unless you sign up for a new or different educational program.

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#6: My primary school has closed and I can’t request transcripts from them. Who should I contact instead?

If your primary school has closed and you need a copy of your transcripts, contact the local school district where the school was located. They are generally responsible for maintaining or releasing records from closed schools. If you are unable to obtain records from the district, contact your state’s Department of Education, as they may have archived copies of education records. Always keep copies of your written requests and any correspondence for your records.

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#7: Can DACA recipients travel to more than one country on Advance Parole?

If you are a DACA recipient, you may travel to more than one country on Advance Parole, as long as:

• Every country you plan to visit is listed in your Advance Parole application and approval
• Your travel is for educational, employment, or humanitarian reasons
• You return to the U.S. before your Advance Parole document expires

It’s important to note that travel for vacation is not allowed, and reentry to the U.S. is not guaranteed. It’s a good idea to consult an immigration attorney before leaving the country, and include clear documentation supporting your travel reasons.

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#8: Can I travel to Puerto Rico or another U.S. territory without Advance Parole?

While it is technically possible to visit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands without Advance Parole, travelers should be aware that there are risks to doing so. Though Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are U.S. territories, it is possible that flights can be rerouted through other countries, which could jeopardize your chances of reentering the United States. Entry back into the United States is always at the discretion of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer inspecting you upon return, so even having an approved Advance Parole does not guarantee you will be allowed back in.

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#9: Can I get a private loan under DACA?

If you’re a DACA recipient, you may be able to get a private loan from some banks, credit unions, or private lenders. Approval depends on the individual lender’s rules, your financial profile, and documentation. Some lenders do work with DACA recipients, but you should take care to avoid predatory lenders, compare offers, and review the loan terms carefully before committing. If you believe you were discriminated against because of your immigration status, you have the right to report this to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

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#10: Can I purchase a home under DACA?

If you’re on DACA, you are legally permitted to purchase a home in the United States. While DACA recipients are currently ineligible for certain government-backed loans, such as Federal Housing Authority (FHA) mortgages, you can still qualify for conventional home loans through many private lenders. The homebuying process may involve additional documentation, but having DACA does not prevent you from buying a home.

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#11: As a DACA recipient, do I need to update USCIS if I move?

As a DACA recipient, you are legally required to notify USCIS of any change of address within 10 days of moving. The best way to do this is by using the USCIS online change of address tool, which updates your address quickly and ensures you continue to receive all important USCIS communications. If you have pending DACA applications or renewals, make sure those cases are updated with your new address as well. While it is important to keep USCIS informed, individuals who are out-of-status should consult an immigration attorney before updating their address to avoid any unintended consequences.

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#12: I’m a DACA recipient with a pending green card application. My DACA status expires next year. Should I renew my DACA while I’m waiting for my green card approval?

Yes. It’s a good idea to maintain your DACA status while your green card application is pending. Renewing your DACA status provides you with continued protection in case your green card application is delayed or denied. USCIS recommends submitting DACA renewal requests 120 to 150 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date listed on the current Form I-797 DACA approval notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

At the same time, it’s important to stay informed about any changes to DACA policy. The program has faced legal challenges in recent years, and its future remains uncertain. For the latest updates on DACA, you can explore our news hub here.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

• DACA Recipients and Marriage Green Cards
• DACA Form I-821D, Explained