Trump Administration Slows DACA Renewals and Narrows Protections

The Trump administration has lengthened processing times for DACA renewals and narrowed deportation protections for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Processing times for some renewals now reach six months, compared with roughly two months previously.

In the last quarter of fiscal year 2025, more than 120,000 cases remained pending. DACA recipients must renew their status and work permits every two years.

An April opinion from the Board of Immigration Appeals stated that DACA status alone does not shield recipients from deportation proceedings. The opinion advised immigration judges not to automatically dismiss removal cases against individuals holding valid DACA status.

Between January and November 2025, 261 DACA recipients were detained and 86 were deported, according to a February letter from then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to senators. Of those detained, 241 had criminal histories.

A federal appeals court in Texas ruled that DACA is illegal.

The decision is expected to prevent Texas-based recipients from obtaining future work authorization. USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler said any illegal alien who is a DACA recipient may be subject to arrest and deportation for a number of reasons, including if they committed a crime.

US, said if it was up to the President, the Dream Act would be done and that politics and advisors are getting in the way.