Increasing Delay in DACA Renewals Affects Immigrant Families
Delays in the renewal process for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are causing significant distress among its beneficiaries, often referred to as “Dreamers.” This issue has resulted in some individuals missing their renewal deadlines, leading to job losses and heightened anxiety about potential deportation.
Lost Jobs and Increased Vulnerability
Melani Candia, who has lived in the U.S. since she was six years old, recently faced the repercussions of these delays. After years of successfully renewing her DACA status to work in special education in Florida, she found herself in a precarious situation this year. A delay in her renewal application led to her missing the deadline, resulting in the loss of her job and fears of detention. Candia expressed that as an immigrant, fear has become a constant presence in her life. “But now, having a new level of vulnerability, it was a very quick increase in the fear,” she stated.
Reports indicate that renewal wait times for the DACA program have surged to levels not seen since 2016, when significant technical issues plagued the system. Many benefactors have found themselves stuck in a bureaucratic limbo, leading to the lapse of their work authorizations and expiring driver’s licenses, which complicates their ability to stay in the country.
Troubling Trends in Processing Times
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that median wait times for DACA renewals have increased significantly. From October 2025 to the end of February 2026, the median wait time was approximately 70 days, a stark contrast to about 15 days in the previous fiscal year. Federal lawmakers and immigrant advocacy groups are increasingly concerned, with some applicants reporting waits of six months or longer for their renewal applications to be processed.
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla emphasized the stark change in timelines. “It used to be sort of a matter of weeks at a time,” he noted. “Now it’s from a few months to many, many months.” This heightened timeline could have implications for beneficiaries who find themselves at risk of arrest or deportation as their DACA status lapses.
Personal Stories of Anxiety and Fear
The impact of these delays is palpable among DACA recipients. Elsa Sanchez, a single mother, faces financial uncertainty after her renewal request remained unaddressed for over five months. Following the expiration of her application, she was put on leave from her job, leaving her without income. “I’m saving every penny,” Sanchez remarked, illustrating the heightened financial strain she is under.
Maria Fernanda Madrigal, another DACA recipient and immigration attorney, also shared her experience with the renewal process. After submitting her application shortly before the deadline, she has since faced job loss and uncertainty about her legal status. “My first concern was my cases,” Madrigal explained, pointing to the additional pressures on her as she navigates her professional obligations while awaiting her renewal outcome.
Concerns Over Deportation Risks
These delays come amidst concerns about the vulnerabilities of DACA recipients under the current administration, particularly following the administration’s past actions to intensify deportation efforts. Recent statistics indicate that more than 250 DACA recipients were arrested, with a significant number deported in early 2025. Critics question whether individuals with expired DACA statuses are being specifically targeted by immigration enforcement agencies.
While USCIS noted that DACA recipients are not automatically protected from deportation, federal lawmakers have raised questions regarding the safety of applicants whose status is in limbo due to processing delays. Experts believe that the current situation exposes DACA recipients to increased risks, especially if their status lapses and enforcement actions follow.
Implications of Ongoing Legal Challenges
Overall, DACA continues to face significant legal and political hurdles. Since its introduction in 2012, the program has been embroiled in various court cases, including challenges that have directly affected the processing of renewal and first-time applications. The program is still operational for renewals, but a 2025 federal court decision has left first-time applicants in uncertainty and could lead to further legal battles.
As DACA recipients navigate these treacherous waters, many express a strong desire to remain in the country they consider home. Candia poignantly shared her anxiety about facing the possibility of detention or deportation, fearing a return to Bolivia after living in the U.S. for over two decades. “My entire life is here,” she said, highlighting the emotional weight of her situation.
As USCIS continues to process renewals, the evolving landscape and prolonged wait times for DACA beneficiaries have left many in a state of limbo, underscoring the urgent need for reforms and clarity regarding immigration policies.
Source: Original Reporting
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