On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that some people who came to the U.S. as children can ask for deferred action for two years, which can be renewed. They can also apply for work permits. Deferred action means they won't be removed from the country for that time, but it doesn't lead to permanent lawful status.
The Status of DACA (updated March 2025):
On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision regarding the DACA Final Rule. Pursuant to the court's order, USCIS will continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests and accompanying applications for employment authorization under the DACE regulations at 8 CFR 236.22 and 236.23. USCIS will continue to accept initial requests, but will not process initial DACA requests at this time. Current grants of DACA and related Employment Authorization Documents remain valid until they expire, unless individually terminated.
Continue renewing your status 120-150 days before expiration while courts are still processing applications. If you don't renew your DACA within one year of expiration, your DACA will be treated as a first-time application and will not be processed.
First-time DACA applications: These remain in limbo. USCIS accepts first-time DACA applications, but USCIS cannot process them.
Advance parole is still available for current DACA recipients who meet the eligibility requirements. For the latest information on DACA, visit the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) or Informed Immigrant. Additionally, we will continue to post updates on the HRCP Facebook page.