The DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program has an uncertain future, especially true in Texas. Recent decisions by judges and government proposals have caused concern among beneficiaries.
This program, created in 2012, protects against deportation and grants work permits to young immigrants who came to the United States as children.
DACA in jeopardy: current situation in Texas
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals made a decision in January 2025.
This decision is in the case of Texas v. United States.
Limits some DACA benefits in Texas.
According to the ruling, protection against deportation follows.
However, the program’s work permit may be illegal only for Texas residents.
This means that DACA holders in this state could retain their immigration status, but would lose authorization to be legally employed.
In addition, the federal government has proposed to reopen DACA for new applications in most states.
However, in Texas, current law only allows for the renewal of existing permits.
No new employment authorizations will be granted.
Therefore, beneficiaries who move to Texas may lose their work permit.
On the other hand, those who leave the state may be able to regain that permit.
Impact on beneficiaries and recommendations
Texas is the state with the second largest number of DACA enrollees, with more than half a million DACA enrollees nationwide.
The impact for those who live there is significant: without legal work permits, they face greater economic hardship and limited access to education and basic services.
Immigrant advocacy organizations have advised beneficiaries to renew their permits early.
They also suggest considering moving out of Texas to maintain your right to work.
The legal landscape continues to change.
The proposal and implementation of the ruling are contingent upon a final decision by Judge Andrew Hanen.
This creates uncertainty for many people.
Perspectives and contexts
Although the DACA program has not accepted new applications since 2021 due to legal problems, the federal government wants to resume accepting applications in several states.
However, Texas will not be included.
This seeks to expand benefits for a new generation of young immigrants, although it does not eliminate challenges in states with legal restrictions.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
