Resource: Protecting the Rights of DACA Recipients as Persons Residing Under Color of Law in New York

While the future immigration status of those who enrolled in DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is uncertain, they should remain eligible for both professional licensing and Medicaid in New York as they continue to be PRUCOL, permanently residing under color of law, whether or not DACA is ultimately rescinded. Almost 800,000 non-citizens who came to the United States as children have been afforded DACA. As of 2017, there were over 40,000 approved DACA recipients (DACAs) in New York. The USCIS reported that as of September 4, 2017 there were 32,900 active DACAs in New York. A future immigration status for those with current DACA eligibility is uncertain, however, their continuing presence in the country “under color of law” remains.