DACA Updates

September 13, 2023

On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, a federal judge in Texas rejected the Biden administration's most recent efforts to bolster DACA's legal standing. The ruling finds that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program exceeds the President’s authority in an area traditionally governed by Congress. The decision, which the U.S. government will likely appeal, does not change the current standing of DACA beneficiaries and no one will be deported as a result of the ruling.

Individuals with DACA status and relevant employment authorization do not need to request DACA or employment authorization until the appropriate time to seek renewal. USCIS will also still be processing renewals for individuals who have DACA and are eligible to renew their status or relevant employment authorization.  

Individuals who may be eligible for DACA status, and wish to apply for the first time, can submit an application, but such applications are not currently being processed and, after the September 13 ruling, will remain on hold.  Accordingly, Martha Jenkin's office can assist members of the University community with DACA renewals but will not be helping to file new applications until such time as they are being processed.

For up-to-date information, students can refer to this webpage, contact the College of Law's Golten Fellow Martha Jenkins, and refer to the USCIS website, as well as the Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s DACA Toolbox.