DACA Expected to Reopen: What Employers Need to Know About the Latest Legal Shift
In a major policy shift and subject to court approval, the federal government has indicated in a court filing that it plans to resume processing of initial applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for the first time since 2021. This follows a January 2025 federal appeals court ruling that narrowed an existing nationwide injunction to only apply in Texas. The government has indicated it would process initial DACA applications filed before and after the injunction for applicants who do not reside in Texas. However, Texas residents would face a limited version of the program, receiving deportation protection (deferred action) only and no work authorization. Quick Hits If approved, DHS plans to resume processing initial DACA applications blocked since 2021. Texas applicants would receive deportation protection only—no work permits or lawful presence. Established in 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides temporary employm...