The United States may soon open its doors once again to thousands of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children — a renewed lifeline of hope under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
After years of legal battles and political uncertainty, federal lawyers and immigrant rights advocates have submitted a proposal before a Texas judge that could restore the program’s capacity to accept new applications. The Department of Justice laid out this proposal on Monday, potentially paving the way for many eligible individuals to work and live legally in the U.S. again — though with one notable exception: the state of Texas.
If the plan is approved, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would resume accepting both new and renewal applications for DACA — a program that’s been frozen for new applicants for over four years. This program, created during the Obama administration, provides two-year renewable permits that offer protection from deportation and the ability to work, though it does not grant legal immigration status.
To qualify, applicants must have entered the U.S. before their 16th birthday, been under 31 as of June 15, 2012, and have a clean criminal record, free from felonies or multiple misdemeanors. For many, DACA is more than a policy; it’s a lifeline that allows them to contribute to society, raise families, and pursue careers.
A Compromise for Texas
Texas, which has long challenged the legality of DACA, will not offer work permits to new DACA recipients within the state — even if the USCIS accepts their applications. However, a proposed “wind-down” period could allow current recipients in Texas to renew their work permits once more.
This arrangement aligns with a ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which allowed the program to continue while respecting Texas’s legal challenge. The final decision now lies in the hands of U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen, who is expected to make a formal ruling after additional responses are filed in October.
What This Means for Thousands
Though no official order has been issued yet, immigration advocates are urging potential applicants to prepare now.
Michelle Celleri, Legal Rights Director at Alliance San Diego, emphasized the importance of readiness:
“While we are still waiting for an official decision, we believe our communities and families should be prepared and begin gathering the required documents.”
According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than 1.1 million individuals across the country may be eligible for DACA if the program fully reopens. Currently, over 533,000 individuals are enrolled.
Still, the climate remains cautious. Juliana Macedo do Nascimento from United We Dream, one of the nation’s largest immigrant advocacy groups, warned that this is not the time for celebration just yet.
“We need to look at the bigger picture. Yes, the proposal signals progress, but at the same time, we’re seeing DACA recipients being detained and deported.”
One line in the DOJ’s proposal offers a glimmer of long-term potential:
“These proposals do not limit DHS from undertaking any future lawful changes to DACA.”
A Moment of Cautious Hope
For so many families and young adults, DACA isn’t just policy — it’s peace of mind, a path to opportunity, and a chance to belong. While legal complexities still linger, the possibility of reopening applications is a critical step forward.
It’s a reminder that change, though often slow and contested, is still possible — and sometimes, just around the corner.
