Yes, You Can Still Renew DACA — Here's How to Do It Right

DACA renewals are still processing for current recipients in Texas, but the window to act is narrow and the rules are shifting. We help Dreamers file on time, understand their risk, and protect what they've built.

Hands holding a shield with a medical cross and scales above, symbolizing healthcare law or justice

What Dreamers in Texas Need to Know Right Now

In January 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals limited its injunction to new DACA applications only and kept renewals open for current recipients — including those in Texas. That means if you already have DACA, you can still renew. But the legal landscape continues to evolve, and enforcement anxiety is real. The right move is to act early, file correctly, and have an attorney review your case before you submit anything.

 

Our immigration team works with Dallas DACA renewal clients across the DFW area every week. We know the current filing rules, the risk factors to watch for, and how to prepare a renewal that gives you the strongest possible position.

File Early — Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

USCIS recommends filing your DACA renewal 150 to 120 days before your current expiration date. Filing early keeps your work authorization continuous and gives your attorney time to catch any issues before they become problems. If your DACA expires in the next six months, your renewal window is open now.

Know Your Risk Before You File

Filing any immigration document carries some degree of exposure. Before we submit your I-821D, we review your full background — including any criminal history, prior immigration issues, or gaps in continuous residence — so you understand exactly where you stand. We assess first, then act.

Advance Parole: Travel May Be Possible

If you need to travel outside the United States for school, work, or a family emergency, advance parole may allow you to leave and return lawfully. This is a serious legal step that requires careful planning — the wrong approach can jeopardize your DACA status. We walk you through whether advance parole makes sense for your situation before any application is filed.

Work Authorization and What Happens If DACA Lapses

Your DACA status and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) are linked. If your DACA lapses — even briefly — your right to work is interrupted and restarting the process becomes significantly harder. Filing on time is the single most important thing you can do to keep your status intact.

Bilingual Support for Every Step

Our staff speaks Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Spanish. If English is not your first language, you will not be left guessing what a form says or what a deadline means. We communicate in the language that works best for you.

What We Handle for DACA Clients

We assist current DACA recipients and their families with the full range of DACA-related filings and related immigration questions:

 

  • DACA renewal applications (Form I-821D and Form I-765)
  • Pre-filing risk assessments for recipients with criminal history or prior immigration issues
  • Advance parole applications for humanitarian, educational, or employment travel
  • Work authorization renewals tied to DACA status
  • Consultations on long-term immigration pathways — including adjustment of status where eligible
  • Family immigration questions for DACA recipients with U.S. citizen relatives

Why Dreamers in DFW Choose Wincorn & Associates

We serve one of the most immigrant-dense metros in the country. The communities we work in — Garland, Irving, Grand Prairie, Dallas, Richardson, and across the DFW suburbs — include thousands of DACA recipients and their families. This is not a niche practice for us. It is central to who we are.

 

  • 145+ Google reviews from clients across DFW
  • Bilingual and multilingual staff: Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Spanish
  • Two office locations — Dallas/Richardson and Arlington — serving both Dallas and Tarrant counties
  • Paralegal-supported model for faster turnaround on time-sensitive filings
  • Plain-language communication at every stage — no legal jargon, no confusion

Serving DACA Recipients Across the DFW Area

We work with Dreamers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro. Our Dallas office serves clients in Richardson, Garland, Plano, Mesquite, Frisco, McKinney, and surrounding communities. Our Arlington office serves clients in Grand Prairie, Irving, and across Tarrant County. Wherever you are in DFW, you have local access to an attorney who knows your community and your situation.

The Current Legal Status of DACA in Texas

DACA has faced ongoing legal challenges in the federal courts. As of January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that maintained the injunction against new DACA grants but preserved renewals for current recipients nationwide — including in Texas. USCIS continues to accept and process renewal applications under this framework.

 

This does not mean the situation is permanent or settled. Court decisions, policy changes, and enforcement priorities can shift. That is exactly why working with a DFW DACA lawyer who monitors these developments closely is not optional — it is essential. We stay current so our clients don't have to.

|

Common Questions About DACA Renewal in Texas

  • Can I still renew my DACA if I live in Texas in 2026?
    Yes. As of the Fifth Circuit's January 2025 ruling, current DACA recipients — including those in Texas — can continue renewing their status. New DACA applications remain blocked, but renewals are still being processed by USCIS. We recommend filing 120 to 150 days before your expiration date.
  • What is Form I-821D and do I need an attorney to file it?
    Form I-821D is the DACA renewal application. You are not legally required to have an attorney, but having one significantly reduces the risk of errors, delays, or issues that could interrupt your status. An attorney can also identify risk factors in your background before you file.
  • What is advance parole and can DACA recipients use it?
    Advance parole is a travel document that allows certain immigrants to leave the U.S. and return lawfully. Some DACA recipients qualify for advance parole for humanitarian, educational, or employment reasons. It requires a separate application and careful legal review before filing — traveling without it can result in losing your DACA status.
  • What happens if my DACA expires before I renew?
    If your DACA lapses, your work authorization also expires. You would need to restart the process, which takes longer and carries more uncertainty than a timely renewal. Filing early — ideally five months before expiration — is the most important step you can take.
  • Is it safe to file for DACA renewal right now?
    For most current recipients, yes — but the answer depends on your individual circumstances. Factors like criminal history, prior immigration violations, or gaps in your record can affect your risk profile. We conduct a full pre-filing review so you understand your situation before anything is submitted.

Don't Let Your DACA Lapse — Talk to Us Today

Your status, your job, and your future in this country are worth protecting. Whether your renewal is coming up in two months or six, now is the time to act. We offer free consultations, bilingual staff, and two DFW office locations ready to help you move forward with confidence.