DACA renewal applications face record delays, costing some their jobs
Summary
People protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are waiting much longer than before to get their renewal applications approved. These delays have caused some to lose their permission to work while waiting, and the number of active DACA participants has decreased.Key Facts
- The number of active DACA recipients dropped by 14% to 436,350 between September 2025 and June 30.
- The backlog of pending renewal applications increased more than four times to over 125,000.
- DACA holders must renew their status every two years.
- Processing speed for renewals slowed sharply in November 2025, dropping from 4,500-6,000 to fewer than 1,900 applications processed weekly.
- USCIS says 80% of cases were decided within seven months, but advises applications be submitted 4–5 months before expiration.
- New USCIS rules require more background checks and review of applicants’ social media.
- The backlog for other immigration work permits has grown 60% from December 2024 to August 2026.
- DACA was created in 2012 and covers people who came to the U.S. before age 16 with no serious crimes.
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