Current Status of DACA (2025 Update)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a U.S. immigration policy that provides recipients with
employment authorization documents (EADs) and protection from deportation. DACA is available for renewal for
certain individuals who came to the United States as children and are unlawfully present in the country.

Note: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is
not currently processing first-time DACA applications.

What Existing DACA Holders Can Do

1️⃣ Renew DACA and Employment Authorization Every Two Years

To qualify, individuals must:

• Submit their renewal application between 120 and 150 days before their DACA expiration date.
• Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007.
• Not have departed the United States on or after August 15, 2012, without permission.
• Not have been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and not be a threat to national security or public safety.

2️⃣ Apply for Permission to Travel Internationally for Specific Purposes

DACA recipients may request permission to travel outside the United States for educational, professional, or humanitarian reasons.
However, traveling abroad carries certain legal risks. Always consult an immigration attorney before making any travel plans.

Current Status of the DACA Program (as of 2025)

• USCIS is not currently accepting or processing new (initial) DACA applications from individuals who have never applied before.
• Renewal applications continue to be accepted and processed.
• Although DACA is now part of federal regulation, ongoing litigation — especially the Texas v. United States case — continues to challenge the program.
• Once the final court decision is issued, USCIS may be required to reopen initial applications, though possibly with restrictions for Texas residents.
• The ongoing government shutdown is affecting the timeline for the final ruling.
• Prospective applicants should speak to a qualified immigration attorney to stay updated and gather documentation in advance.

⚠️ Important: Some categories of employment authorization automatically extend after filing for renewal.
However, this automatic extension does not apply to DACA-based EADs.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Always consult a licensed immigration attorney before taking any action based on DACA updates.

For professional immigration guidance, visit:
https://www.ailalawyer.com/