On June 15, 2012, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made a change in federal immigration policy regarding deportation enforcement for young immigrants that meet certain criteria, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This policy states that the federal government will “defer action” or not prosecute deportation cases for qualifying individuals for a period of two years from the time their application for “deferred action” is approved.
If approved, DACA beneficiaries will receive work permits in addition to deferred action status. Under the Board of Higher Education's residency policy, work permits make individuals eligible for in-state tuition at the Commonwealth’s 29 public college and university campuses, provided that they meet all other requirements.