People with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are often called Dreamers. They are allowed to live and work in the U.S. temporarily, but the program does not offer a direct path to permanent residency and a green card. As a result, many people seek alternative ways, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen, to adjust their status legally.
Eligible individuals must have arrived in the U.S. before age 16, lived here continuously since 2007 and meet other criteria, such as being in school or having a clean criminal record. However, as of 2025, new applications are on hold due to ongoing court challenges. Only current DACA recipients are eligible to apply for renewal.
What DACA recipients need to know
Getting a green card through marriage while on DACA is possible, but it is not guaranteed. This is what you should know:
- Your entry into the U.S. matters: If you entered with a visa and overstayed, you may be able to adjust your status without leaving the country. But if you entered without inspection, the path gets trickier and may require leaving and applying for a waiver.
- Advance Parole can change your status: If you have traveled and re-entered the U.S. with Advance Parole, it may count as a lawful entry. That can make you eligible for adjustment, something many people don’t realize.
- Keep an eye on policy shifts: Immigration rules affecting DACA and green cards are subject to frequent changes. What worked for a friend a few years ago may not be applicable now.
- Prove your marriage is real: Like anyone else applying through marriage, you will need to show your relationship is genuine with joint documents, photos and shared responsibilities.
Each of these factors can shape your journey differently, so understanding where you stand can make all the difference. It is easy to feel stuck, especially when the rules seem to change often.
In this case, it helps to speak with a legal practitioner who knows how these cases work and can guide you through each step.
