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I recently sent a media request to USCIS concerning DACA and deferred action illegal aliens. Below is the reply.

Sent to USCIS Public Affairs Officer Pamela Wilson following Friday and Saturday phone conversations:

“Please provide an official answer. Does USCIS consider any deferred action on deportation recipient, including DACA beneficiaries, to have lawful status?

Separate question: Does USCIS consider any deferred action recipient, including DACA recipients, to have “lawful presence?”

D.A. King

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Emailed reply from Ms. Wilson at USCIS today (emphasis mine):

“Hi Mr. King:

You may attribute the following me as “ Pamela Wilson, USCIS Spokesperson” or use “USCIS Officials” whichever you prefer, on the following official statements.”

“Current law does not grant any legal status for the class of individuals who are current recipients of DACA. Recipients of DACA are currently unlawfully present in the U.S. with their removal deferred.

Also, this link shows current DACA recipients in Georgia number 21,600. Data current as of June 30, 2017 shows that since inception, 24,234 individuals from Georgia have received an initial grant of DACA.”

Pamela Wilson
Public Affairs Officer
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Department of Homeland Security