The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has experienced significant, ongoing changes. As of 2026, the program is only accepting renewals for current recipients. This means new applications are generally not accepted.
Here is the state of DACA in 2026
Renewals are still possible
While federal courts have repeatedly ruled that DACA is unlawful, renewals remain available nationwide. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in January 2025 issued a decision that allows DACA to continue offering protection from deportation. The court also allowed the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to continue processing renewal requests and applications for employment authorization for current recipients.
Thus, if you are a DACA recipient, you can continue to renew your status, including your work permit, every two years. The USCIS recommends filing the renewal application 120 to 150 days (four to five months) before the current expiration date.
This timeframe allows the USCIS to perform background checks and other procedures while your current status is still valid. Accordingly, your DACA renewal and new Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) or work permits can be approved before the current ones expire.
The USCIS frequently experiences significant backlogs. A DACA renewal can take more than four months to be processed. Therefore, applying less than 120 days before the expiration date can be risky. You may experience an employment authorization gap.
Texas-specific risks
As of March 2026, the stay order issued by the court affects all states, including Texas. However, the state has an ongoing litigation arguing that while DACA’s protection from deportation is likely lawful, its employment authorization component is likely unlawful. Thus, DACA recipients in Texas are at high risk, as their legal right to work might be revoked if the judge rules so. Until then, they can continue to work and renew their work permits.
The ongoing changes in the DACA program are causing heightened anxiety in many recipients. Learn more about the steps to take to keep protecting your status.