DACA in Texas 2025: What You Need to Know, How to Prepare, and Where to Find Help

Since its creation in 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has offered hope and protection for hundreds of thousands of undocumented young people who were brought to the United States as children.

For Texans, though, the program looks very different today. With the state at the center of multiple lawsuits against DACA, rules about renewals, work permits, and benefits have shifted dramatically. As of 2025, DACA protections still exist in Texas , but with serious limitations that every recipient (and ally) needs to understand.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about DACA in Texas right now: eligibility, the current legal status, practical tips, and key documents/resources that can help you or someone you know navigate the uncertainty.

What is DACA?

DACA is not a pathway to citizenship. Instead, it provides:

• Deferred Action: Protection from deportation for renewable two-year periods

• Employment Authorization (EAD): Work permits to allow legal employment (where valid)

• Access to ID/SSNs: Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses (varies by state)

To qualify, applicants must meet strict criteria, including continuous residence since 2007, being under 31 on June 15, 2012, and meeting education/military requirements.

DACA in Texas: Legal Timeline

Here’s a timeline of how Texas has shaped DACA:

• 2012 – DACA announced by Obama Administration.

• 2018–2021 – Texas leads lawsuits challenging DACA’s legality.

• July 2021 – Federal Judge Hanen (Houston) blocks new DACA applications nationwide; renewals allowed.

• Sept 2023 – Hanen rules Biden’s 2022 “Final Rule” codifying DACA unlawful.

• Jan 2025 – Fifth Circuit Court rules: In Texas only, work permits under DACA are unlawful. Renewals of deportation protection continue.

• July 2025 – Hanen orders new legal briefs on how to implement the Fifth Circuit’s ruling, expected to finalize how Texas treats DACA renewals and work authorizations.

What’s Allowed in Texas (2025)

Deportation Protection

• Still valid: Renewals continue, pending court updates.

Renewals of DACA

• Allowed: File early; delays possible.

Work Authorization (EAD)

• Likely ending in Texas: Current permits may remain valid until expiry, but new or renewal EADs are at risk.

New DACA Applications

• Blocked: USCIS cannot approve new requests in Texas.

In-State Tuition

• Limited: Texas courts blocked undocumented tuition; DACA students face uncertainty.

Driver’s Licenses

• Restricted: CDLs no longer issued to DACA holders; standard licenses may face challenges.

Practical Tips for DACA Recipients in Texas

1. Renew Early

   • Submit renewals at least 150–120 days before expiration.

   • File Form I-821D (Consideration of DACA) and Form I-765 (Work Authorization, if available).

2. Document Everything

   • Keep copies of all USCIS approvals, receipts, EAD cards, and correspondence.

   • Maintain records of school, work, and residence to prove continuous presence.

3. Plan for Work Changes

   • Talk with employers about contingency plans if EADs are not renewed.

   • Explore freelance/self-employment options where legally possible.

   • Build skills that transfer to other states if relocation is considered.

4. Stay Informed

   • Follow trusted organizations: MALDEF, NILC, United We Dream, Immigrants Rising.

   • Sign up for USCIS case updates.

   • Connect with local immigration attorneys for case-specific advice.

5. Education Strategy

   • If tuition assistance is lost in Texas, explore:

   • Private scholarships that don’t require legal status

   • Out-of-state universities with better Dreamer policies

   • Online programs that minimize costs

6. Consider Relocation

   • Outside Texas, the Fifth Circuit ruling doesn’t apply.

   • DACA recipients moving to another state may keep work authorization.

Documents & Resources

Here are the most useful docs and official resources for Texans navigating DACA:

• USCIS DACA Hub – USCIS Official DACA Info https://www.uscis.gov/DACA

• Form I-821D – Consideration of DACA Request (USCIS) https://www.uscis.gov/i-821d

• Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

• MALDEF – DACA Case Summary & Updates https://www.maldef.org/

• NILC – National Immigration Law Center: DACA https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca/

• Texas Immigration Hotline – United We Dream Resources https://unitedwedream.org/

Tip: Create a “DACA Document Binder” to keep physical + digital copies of all forms, approvals, IDs, and supporting evidence in one place.

What’s Next?

Judge Hanen’s next orders will determine exactly how DACA renewals and work permits are handled in Texas.

USCIS may resume new applications nationwide, but Texas applicants may be limited to deportation protection only.

Congress could still act with a DREAM Act, but history shows this is uncertain.

DACA has given opportunity and stability to thousands in Texas, but 2025 has brought new hurdles. Right now, deportation protection continues, but work permits, tuition benefits, and state licenses are at risk.

If you are directly affected:

• Renew quickly while you can

• Seek legal guidance from accredited professionals

• Stay connected with advocacy groups for updates

• Plan for the future with or without work authorization

DACA’s future in Texas is uncertain, but knowledge and preparation are the best tools you have today.

Disclosures

• Immigration Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not replace consultation with a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.

• Professional Disclosure (Texas Real Estate): I am a licensed Texas REALTOR® (TREC #829146). This article is published for educational purposes and general awareness. It is not intended as legal, tax, or immigration advice. Always consult the appropriate licensed professional for guidance on your specific situation.

• Sources: USCIS, MALDEF, NILC, United We Dream, Texas court rulings, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals opinions.