If you are a current DACA recipient in Columbus or Central Ohio, you may be wondering whether you can still renew — and what the ongoing court battles mean for your work permit and ability to stay in the country. This article explains where DACA stands as of June 2026 and what you should know before your next renewal.
The Current Status of DACA
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created by executive action in June 2012. It provides a two-year, renewable period of deferred action — meaning the government agrees not to initiate deportation proceedings — and allows recipients to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
DACA has been in legal limbo for years. A series of federal court rulings in the Fifth Circuit have found the program unlawful as originally structured. USCIS has been operating under court orders that allow it to process renewal applications from people who already have or previously had DACA, but new initial applications are not being accepted for people who have never held DACA before.
As of June 2026:
- Current recipients can renew their DACA and EAD through USCIS
- New applicants who never had DACA cannot apply for initial DACA
- The legal status of the program continues to be litigated in federal court
- No Congressional legislation has replaced or permanently protected DACA
This environment requires that current recipients stay on top of their renewal timelines — a lapse in DACA status can mean losing work authorization and legal protection from removal.
When to File Your DACA Renewal
USCIS recommends filing your renewal application between 150 and 120 days before your current DACA expires — roughly 5 to 4 months out. Filing within this window gives USCIS enough time to process your case before your current status lapses, and it protects your continuity of work authorization.
Why timing matters: If your DACA expires before USCIS approves your renewal, your EAD becomes invalid. You cannot legally work, and your protection from deportation ends. Even if USCIS eventually approves your renewal, the gap in status cannot be retroactively restored.
Practical planning: Mark your DACA expiration date on your calendar and set a reminder to begin gathering your renewal documents at least 6 months before expiration.
What the DACA Renewal Requires in 2026
Renewing DACA uses Form I-821D (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) together with Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and Form I-765WS (worksheet). You file all three together.
Required supporting documents:
- Copy of your current EAD (front and back)
- Copy of your most recent I-821D approval notice
- Two passport-style photos
- Filing fee ($495 as of 2026 — check uscis.gov for the current amount, as fees change)
- Evidence of continued residence in the United States if USCIS requests it
Biometrics: Most DACA renewals require a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). USCIS will mail you an appointment notice after receiving your application. Bring your appointment notice and a valid government-issued photo ID.
The EAD Combo Card
When you renew DACA, your EAD is issued under the category C33 (Deferred Action). The card serves as your work authorization document. It is also commonly accepted as a List A document for Form I-9 employment verification purposes.
The EAD is valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration. If you also filed Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), your EAD and advance parole may be issued as a single combo card — though DACA recipients should consult an attorney before traveling on advance parole, as international travel can have serious immigration consequences.
Can DACA Recipients Travel Outside the United States?
Traveling outside the United States as a DACA recipient requires advance parole, which must be approved by USCIS before you leave. Even with advance parole, travel carries risk. DACA recipients who have prior immigration violations, unlawful presence, or other status issues may trigger bars to reentry upon return.
Do not travel outside the U.S. as a DACA recipient without first consulting an immigration attorney. The consequences of a misstep can be severe and difficult to undo.
What the Legal Uncertainty Means for You
The courts have not resolved the fundamental question of whether DACA can continue. Congress has periodically considered legislation that would create a permanent pathway for Dreamers, but no bill has passed as of June 2026.
What this means practically:
- Keep renewing. As long as USCIS is accepting renewals from current recipients, renewing is the right move. A lapse in status is worse than an uncertain program.
- Do not wait for Congress. Legislative timelines are unpredictable. Relying on a future law passing as a reason not to renew is a serious mistake.
- Monitor court developments. A final adverse ruling in the Fifth Circuit could change what USCIS is permitted to do. Stay informed through reputable immigration news sources or your attorney.
- Explore other immigration options. Some DACA recipients have pathways to green cards through marriage, family sponsorship, or employer sponsorship. An immigration attorney can evaluate whether any of these options apply to your situation.
Exploring a Path Beyond DACA
DACA was always meant to be a temporary measure, not a permanent solution. If you have held DACA for several years, now is a good time to assess whether any longer-term immigration options are available to you:
Marriage to a U.S. citizen: If you are married to or planning to marry a U.S. citizen, you may qualify for a marriage-based green card. DACA status does not automatically disqualify you, but the specific facts of your entry and prior status matter significantly.
Family sponsorship: U.S. citizen parents, siblings, or adult children can petition for certain family preference categories. Wait times vary by category and country of birth.
Special immigrant categories: VAWA, U-visa, and T-visa classifications may be available to individuals who have experienced abuse or serious crimes. These paths do not depend on employment or family relationships with citizens.
How Latif Law Helps DACA Recipients in Columbus
Latif Law works with DACA recipients throughout Columbus and Central Ohio. Our services include:
- Preparing and filing DACA renewal packages
- Advising on travel risk and advance parole
- Evaluating pathways to lawful permanent residence
- Reviewing cases where prior immigration history may affect eligibility
If your DACA is coming up for renewal or you want to explore what options exist beyond DACA, schedule a consultation with our office.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. DACA's legal status and USCIS procedures may change at any time. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship with Latif Law, LLC. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific situation before filing any immigration application.