Get the Facts: The fate of DACA is still uncertain. Here's what to know

WASHINGTON —

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program has given protections to people who came to the United States as children since 2012.

But in recent years, the number of active recipients has declined.

More than 835,000 people have been approved as DACA recipients , also known as "Dreamers," in the time the program has existed. The number of active recipients was as high as 702,000 in 2018, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Now it's about 525,210.

DACA was started by the Obama administration in 2012 to protect young people who were brought to the United States illegally as children. The protections prevent them from being deported and also provide eligibility for work authorization.

"But for the people who have been on DACA for year