DACA

DACA protects certain undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children ("Dreamers") from deportation and provides a renewable two-year work permit. USCIS is not processing new initial applications, but renewals continue, though with delays. This area of law is evolving -- call for a current case assessment.

To qualify, applicants generally must have arrived in the U.S. before age 16, lived here continuously since June 15, 2007, been under 31 as of June 15, 2012, and be in school, have a diploma or GED, or have served in the military, with no disqualifying criminal history. These criteria still govern renewals today.

In January 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld nationwide protection from deportation for DACA recipients, but left the status of DACA work permits in Texas pending an implementation order from Judge Hanen that has not yet been issued. Texas has also restricted some state licenses for DACA recipients.

USCIS has recommended filing a renewal 120 to 150 days before your current DACA period expires. Filing late can mean a gap in your work authorization while the renewal is processed, since there is no guarantee of expedited handling.

DACA recipients generally cannot leave the U.S. without first obtaining advance parole from USCIS. Traveling without it can result in the loss of DACA status. Advance parole is typically granted only for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes.

No. DACA only grants deferred action and work authorization; it does not create a path to a green card on its own. Some DACA recipients may become eligible for a green card through other routes, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen or an employer sponsorship, depending on their individual circumstances.