GWP Immigration Law
What Is DACA and Can You Still Apply in 2026?
DACA is a federal policy offering temporary deportation protection and work authorization to certain individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children.
Knowing what DACA is, who qualifies, and what the program’s current status is in 2026 is essential to protecting your immigration and employment stability. In this article I explain who qualifies today, what benefits the program actually provides, and what you need to know before making any immigration decision.
Updated June 24, 2026 · GWP Law · Las Vegas, NVThe current status
Where Does DACA Stand Right Now?
On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the injunction in case No. 1:18-CV-68. The ruling confirms: USCIS accepts initial filings but cannot adjudicate them while the order stands.
Source: Fifth Circuit – Case No. 1:18-CV-68, January 17, 2025
DACA in 2026
| Renewals | New Applications | |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS accepts the filing | Yes | Yes |
| USCIS processes the case | Yes | No |
| USCIS can approve it | Yes | No |
| Work permit available | If renewal approved | No |
Source: USCIS – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
The basics
What Does DACA Mean — and What Does It Not Do?
DACA was created on June 15, 2012 under President Obama through executive action, after Congress failed to pass the DREAM Act. It is based on prosecutorial discretion — a directive to immigration agencies to focus deportation resources on high-priority cases and defer action on individuals who grew up here.
Source: USCIS – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
| DACA Does NOT Grant | DACA DOES Provide |
|---|---|
| ✘ Permanent residence (Green Card) | ✔ Work authorization (EAD) |
| ✘ U.S. citizenship | ✔ Social Security number |
| ✘ Path to citizenship | ✔ Temporary protection from deportation |
| ✘ Lawful immigration status | ✔ Driver’s license in most states |
The four requirements
Who Qualifies for DACA?
All four requirement categories below must be met. Missing any single one disqualifies the application.
Age & Entry
- Born on or after June 16, 1981
- Under 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Arrived in the U.S. before age 16
Residence
- Continuous U.S. residence since June 15, 2007
- Physically present on June 15, 2012 and at time of filing
- No lawful status as of June 15, 2012
Education / Military
- Currently enrolled in school, OR
- High school diploma or GED, OR
- Honorably discharged from U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard
Criminal Record
- No felony convictions
- No significant misdemeanor convictions
- Fewer than three non-significant misdemeanor convictions
Source: USCIS – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
The people behind the program
Who Are DACA Recipients?
DACA recipients are people who arrived here as children and, on average, have lived in the U.S. for over 27 years.
DACA households contribute approximately $6.2 billion in federal taxes and $3.3 billion in state and local taxes annually — paying into Social Security and Medicare they cannot collect from. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 343,000 DACA recipients were classified as essential workers.
Sources: American Immigration Council – DACA Data and Statistics · Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy
For current recipients
How to Renew Your DACA
According to USCIS processing data, approximately 80% of DACA renewals are completed within 3.5 months in 2026 — but processing times vary. And as of June 2026, many recipients are reporting delays in renewals.
Source: USCIS – Check Case Processing Times
Three forms required:
- ✔ Form I-821D — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
- ✔ Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization
- ✔ Form I-765WS — Required worksheet
Filing fees (effective April 1, 2024):
Source: USCIS – DACA Filing Fees
A personal note
Why Fighting for Dreamers Matters
Dreamers are young people who were brought here as children — not by their own choice, not with any understanding of what it would mean legally. A 5 year old does not make that decision.
They grew up in our schools, pledging allegiance to our flag. The United States is the only country most of them have ever known.
Dreamers are essential to any real immigration reform. You cannot have a serious conversation about the future of immigration in this country while leaving half a million people — who grew up here, who work here, who pay taxes here — in permanent legal limbo.
They are, in every sense that matters, as American as anyone born here. The only thing separating them from full recognition is a piece of paper and a Congress that has failed them for over twenty years.
Fighting for DACA is fighting for the principle that where you were born should not determine the limits of what you can become — especially when this country is the only home you have ever known.
Frequently asked questions
What People Ask Before They Call
Can I apply for DACA for the first time in 2026?
What happens if my DACA expires?
Can I travel outside the U.S. with DACA?
🕊
You’ve built a life here. Protect it.
If your renewal is coming up, if you have an arrest on your record, if you’ve traveled without Advance Parole, or if you simply don’t know where you stand — please don’t wait. Don’t guess.
📅 Call us: (702) 737-7717 GWP Immigration Law · 8942 Spanish Ridge Ave Suite 1, Las Vegas, NV 89148 · gwp.law
Kathia Quirós, Immigration Attorney
Founder, GWP Immigration Law · Inmigrando con Kathia
Sources
- USCIS – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- USCIS – Check Case Processing Times
- Fifth Circuit – Case No. 1:18-CV-68, January 17, 2025
- American Immigration Council – DACA: An Overview
- American Immigration Council – DACA Data and Statistics
- Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) – DACA Tax Contributions
- USCIS – Form I-821D
- USCIS – Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- USCIS – Form I-765WS
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney before taking any action. · Last verified: June 22, 2026 · Reviewed by: Kathia Quirós, Immigration Attorney · GWP Immigration Law
