Before Donald Trump returned to power, the DACA program had been a life-changing opportunity for thousands of Dreamers — young immigrants who grew up in the U.S., studied here, and dreamed of a future without fear of deportation. But with the most recent changes in immigration policies, many are asking: What’s happening with DACA in 2025? Is it still active? Are there new opportunities? And what should Dreamers and their families know right now?
Hi again, my people! I’m attorney María Mendoza, immigration specialist. Today, I want to explain what’s going on with DACA — what’s happening in the Courts of Appeals and what new options might soon open up to protect your status and your future in the United States. Keep reading!
What Is DACA?
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a program initiated in 2012 under the administration of former President Obama. It offers deferred action — meaning protection from deportation — and renewable work permits to people who came to the U.S. as minors. While it doesn’t provide permanent legal status, it gives these young people a way to live and work safely in this country.
You may also like: How to Get a Green Card in 2025
Who Can Apply for DACA?
According to USCIS, to qualify for DACA, you must:
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Have arrived in the U.S. before turning 16
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Have continuously lived in the U.S. since your arrival
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Be physically present in the U.S. when submitting your application
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Be currently in school, have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, or served in the military.
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Demonstrate “good moral character.”
How to Apply for DACA
To apply for DACA, you’ll need to:
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Submit Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
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Apply for your work permit (Form I-765)
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Pay the required filing fees
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Provide proof of continuous residence (such as school records, rent receipts, or utility bills)
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Have a clean criminal record or be able to justify minor offenses
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Submit evidence of physical presence in the U.S.
What’s Happening with DACA Under the Trump Administration in 2025?
In 2025, DACA is at a critical turning point. In January, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that parts of the program are illegal, but limited that decision only to the state of Texas. This means that outside of Texas, the court order that had blocked new DACA applications may no longer apply — opening the door for first-time applicants in the other 49 states.
However, in Texas, the restriction remains in place. Applicants there can still receive deferred action (temporary protection from deportation), but no work permit or recognition of lawful presence.Now, the Federal Government has proposed that USCIS process new DACA applications outside of Texas while only granting deferred action within Texas — but that still depends on the court’s approval. Meanwhile, DACA renewals remain active nationwide, including in Texas. USCIS can receive and process new requests, but cannot issue final decisions until authorized by the court In short Outside of Texas, there’s real hope for new applicants.In Texas, DACA remains limited until a new decision is made.
Find out all the details in this video: What’s Happening with DACA Right Now?
DACA Timeline (2012–2025)
I know this might sound a bit confusing, but to make it easier to understand, here’s a quick look at how this program has evolved over the years:
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | DACA began under the Obama Administration | Dreamers receive deportation protection and work permits. |
| 2017 | Trump’s first term attempts to end DACA | Lawsuits nationwide; uncertainty for new applicants. |
| 2020 | The case reaches the U.S. Supreme Court | Termination deemed improper; DACA remains temporarily active. |
| 2021 | Federal judge in Texas blocks new DACA applications | Only renewals allowed; new requests paused. |
| 2025 | Fifth Circuit limits the Texas ruling | – Outside Texas: new DACA applications may be processed with work authorization. – In Texas: only deferred action applies, pending court approval. |
DACA 2025 Summary
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Renewals remain active nationwide but may be affected by upcoming court rulings.
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Applicants waiting on decisions should stay calm — USCIS will act once the courts give permission.
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Outside of Texas: first-time DACA applications could soon be accepted if the Fifth Circuit approves the federal proposal.
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In Texas: new applicants would receive deferred action only, without a work permit.
Related: 3 Ways to Get a Work Permit in the U.S.
Are You a Dreamer and Unsure What to Do?
The most important thing right now is to have the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney. These are uncertain times, and every case is different — beyond DACA, you might have other legal paths to stay in this country.Here’s what you can do now:
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If you already have DACA, renew it early.
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If you live outside Texas and never applied before, prepare your documents so you’re ready once the court allows it.
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If your DACA expired or was lost, talk to an immigration attorney before reapplying.
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Stay updated on the Fifth Circuit’s next ruling — things could change quickly.
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Never make decisions without legal advice, especially if you live in Texas.
I know how hard it’s been for so many to live with so much uncertainty and constant changes. For Dreamers and their families, if you meet the DACA requirements, this could be a good time to prepare your case or renew your status.
Don’t wait until things shift again: contact us today, and we’ll make sure your application is complete and ready the moment USCIS and the courts give the green light.
¡La lucha sigue!