Long DACA renewal wait times leave some 'Dreamers' without status, fearing detainment
Summary
Renewal times for the DACA program, which helps people brought to the U.S. as children live and work legally, have increased significantly, causing delays that leave some applicants without legal protections and work authorization. Many "Dreamers" are now waiting several months for decisions, risking job loss and possible detention.Key Facts
- DACA allows certain immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to stay and work legally for two years, with the possibility to renew.
- Renewal wait times have increased from about 15 days in 2025 to a median of 70 days from October 2025 to February 2026, the longest since 2016.
- Some applicants report waiting six months or more for renewal decisions, leading to loss of work permits and driver’s licenses.
- The delays leave many Dreamers uncertain about their legal status and at risk of detention or deportation.
- USCIS says the longer processing times are due to more thorough screening under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
- Over 500,000 people are currently protected by the DACA program.
- Lawmakers and immigrant groups have expressed concern about the prolonged delays and whether those missing renewal deadlines face increased risk of enforcement action.
- The Department of Homeland Security previously linked long processing times in 2016 to technical problems when switching to electronic systems.
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