Are DACA and the DREAM Act the same thing?

No, DACA and the DREAM Act are not the same thing. DREAM Act or the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act is a legislative proposal for alien minors in the United States of America to seek conditional residency, and upon meeting further requirements, permanent residency. DACA or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program created by the Obama administration in 2012 which protects minors who entered the country, and either stayed or entered the country illegally from being deported immediately.

Although the two works together, it should be noted that the DREAM Act remains a legislative proposal as of today. DACA does not grant permanent residency and citizenship, while DREAM Act can grant these two to qualified illegal aliens.