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If you are a DACA recipient living in New Jersey, you may be wondering whether you can still renew your DACA status in 2026 and what the most recent court decisions mean for your work permit and protection from deportation. The Trump Administration has discontinued and abruptly terminated many humanitarian-based programs, and many anxiously wonder whether DACA is next. This guide explains where DACA stands in 2026, what it means for New Jersey Dreamers, and what actions you should consider right now.
For DACA recipients and applicants in New Jersey, here is the current situation:
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was created in June 2012. The program generally provides temporary protection from deportation and allows certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and who have graduated from high school to obtain work authorization. Grantees receive protection from removal (deferred action) and renewable work permits. Over the past decade, hundreds of thousands of young immigrants—often called Dreamers—have sought protection under this program, enabling them to stay here without fear of deportation, seek gainful employment, start their careers, travel outside the US, and in some cases, start cases for permanent residency.
New Jersey has one of the most diverse immigrant populations in the country. Nearly one in four residents in the Garden State is an immigrant, and many families include at least one undocumented member. According to latest estimates, 13,000 to 16,000 New Jersey residents currently hold DACA protection. These individuals are students, healthcare workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and essential members of the state’s workforce.
Many Dreamers have lived in New Jersey for most of their lives. A large portion have attended local schools, graduated from New Jersey colleges like Rutgers, and contributed to their communities and local economies. As a result, changes to the DACA program affect not only recipients and their families themselves but also employers, universities, and communities throughout the state, as the entire ecosystem and labor force, whether the current administration acknowledges it or not, depends, in part, on contributions from the immigrant community.
DACA remains active for current recipients, but the program continues to face ongoing legal challenges in federal court.
In January 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision addressing the Biden administration’s regulation formalizing DACA.
The holding of the case is extremely complicated but in short, the court allowed the program to continue for existing recipients while litigation proceeds but maintained restrictions for individuals residing in Texas, who will no longer receive work permits. The case has been sent back to the federal district court for additional proceedings, and future rulings could affect the program. As it stands, for now, current DACA recipients may continue to renew their protections and work authorization.
As of now, individuals may still submit initial DACA applications to USCIS with the caveat that USCIS is not currently processing or approving the applications. That being said, after the 5th Circuit decision came out, the government indicated that it plans to resume processing of initial applications. Since then, however, no new guidance has been issued.
If you currently hold DACA or may be eligible for renewal, the following steps are especially important.
USCIS recommends filing your DACA renewal 120 to 150 days before your current status expires. Filing early can help avoid gaps in protection or work authorization. Additionally, if a Request for Evidence is issued, you will likely have more time to respond and address the deficiency before your status expires the earlier you file.
If your DACA expired previously, you may still qualify to file a renewal. If less than one year has elapsed since the DACA expired, USCIS generally allows you to file a renewal request instead of having to file a new initial application.
Some DACA recipients may apply for advance parole, which allows travel outside the United States and lawful return. However, leaving the country without approved advance parole could trigger serious re-entry bars including triggering the three- and ten-year unlawful presence bars, or even worse, possible execution of a removal order, if there is a removal order in one’s history.
Because the future of DACA remains uncertain, many recipients should explore other potential immigration pathway especially if their circumstances have changed, such as marriage or a potential petitioning relative turning 21 or becoming a US Citizen.
Depending on your circumstances, options may include:
It is critical to ensure that USCIS always has your current address on file. Technically speaking, failure to update your address is not only an immigration violation but also could cause practical problems with renewal notices or case processing.
Regardless of immigration status, individuals in the United States have constitutional rights. If an immigration and customs enforcement officer (“ICE”) come to your home:
While many individuals successfully renew their DACA status, certain situations make it especially important to consult an experienced New Jersey immigration attorney before filing.
You may want to speak with a lawyer if:
Because the legal landscape surrounding DACA continues to evolve, many Dreamers benefit from having an experienced attorney review their situation before making important immigration decisions.
Can I still renew DACA in 2026?
Yes. USCIS continues to process renewal applications for individuals who previously received DACA protections.
Can someone apply for DACA for the first time?
Initial applications may still be submitted, but USCIS is currently not processing or approving them due to ongoing federal court rulings.
How early should I renew my DACA?
Current DACA holders should submit their renewal applications between 120 and 150 days (approximately four to five months) before their current DACA expires. Filing within this window helps avoid gaps in work authorization and continued protection from deportation/removal.
Speak With an Edison, New Jersey Immigration Attorney
If you are a DACA recipient in New Jersey and have questions about renewing your status, traveling with advance parole, or exploring other immigration options, it may be helpful to speak with an experienced immigration attorney. Every situation is fact and case sensitive, and the rapidly evolving legal landscape makes personalized legal guidance more important than ever.