Who are the intended beneficiaries of the proposed Obama-era DACA program?

The intended beneficiaries of the proposed DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program are individuals who were brought into the United States illegally as children. This program was designed to provide temporary relief from deportation and grant work permits to these individuals, often referred to as "Dreamers."

The focus on those brought to the U.S. as minors addresses the unique circumstances of individuals who have grown up in the U.S., often considering it their home, despite their undocumented status. DACA aimed to recognize the contribution these young people could make to society if given the opportunity to pursue education and employment without the constant fear of deportation.

This program specifically targeted this demographic in order to acknowledge and respond to the challenges they face, setting a pathway for them to apply for these protections without impacting their families or their ability to integrate into American society.