DACA — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Yes — DACA renewals are still being accepted and processed in 2026, even though new first-time applications are not being approved. If you already have DACA, the priority is renewing on time and, in many cases, looking for a permanent path that DACA itself cannot provide. Gustavo Z. Vargas, our Florida Board Certified immigration attorney, has guided Central Florida Dreamers through renewals and long-term planning, and we track the litigation as it moves.

What DACA does — and does not — provide

DACA grants deferred action for two years (renewable) and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It does not confer lawful immigration status, does not provide a path to a green card on its own, and does not protect family members. Each renewal must be filed before the current grant expires.

Current state of DACA in 2026

USCIS continues to accept and process renewal applications for current recipients but is not granting new initial applications. Litigation in the Fifth Circuit (Texas v. United States) has questioned the program's legal foundation, and the Department of Homeland Security's final rule formalizing DACA remains tied up in that fight. What this means on the ground in Orlando: renewals are going through, but recipients are understandably anxious about the program's future, and we are advising people not to let an EAD lapse while they wait to see how the courts rule. For a fuller breakdown written for our area, read DACA in 2026: what Florida recipients need to know now.

We are also seeing heavier enforcement around Central Florida this year, which makes keeping your work authorization current and your record clean more important than ever. If a DACA recipient is ever placed in proceedings, our deportation and removal defense team handles the case at the Orlando Immigration Court.

Renewal eligibility

You can renew DACA if you:

• Did not depart the United States on or after August 15, 2012, without advance parole.
• Have continuously resided in the U.S. since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved.
• Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

How we help

• Timely renewals. We recommend filing 120–150 days before your current EAD expires to avoid gaps in work authorization.
• Advance parole. When DACA recipients are granted advance parole and travel abroad, the lawful re-entry can sometimes unlock paths to a green card via family-based sponsorship — a critical strategy for DACA recipients married to or sponsored by U.S. citizens or LPRs.
• Permanent paths. We assess whether other relief is available: marriage-based green card, U-visa, T-visa, asylum, or VAWA self-petition. For many DACA holders, there is a path beyond DACA — but it requires careful planning around prior entries, status, and family relationships.
• Risk reviews. Any criminal arrest, even minor, can affect DACA. We review post-grant arrests and advise on disclosure and impact.