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HumanitarianRiversideUpdated: January 3, 202611 min read
DACA Status & Updates 2026
Stay informed on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
SoCal Immigration Services
Reviewed by: Maria Santos, DOJ Accredited Representative
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We support Dreamers across Riverside and the Inland Empire in maintaining their protected status and work authorization.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
We support Dreamers across Riverside and the Inland Empire in maintaining their protected status and work authorization.
Current Status Dashboard
The legal landscape for DACA in 2026 remains in flux, shaped by ongoing federal court litigation and shifting policy priorities. As of early 2026, USCIS continues to accept and process DACA renewal applications, but new initial applications remain blocked by court order stemming from the Texas v. United States ruling. Approximately 580,000 active DACA recipients across the country depend on timely renewals to maintain their work authorization and protection from deportation.
For Riverside County and the broader Inland Empire, this is especially significant. The region is home to an estimated 35,000 DACA-eligible individuals, many of whom work in healthcare, education, logistics, and agriculture — industries that form the backbone of the local economy. Any disruption in DACA renewals directly impacts thousands of families and businesses throughout the community.
Stay current with the latest developments below. We update this dashboard as new court rulings, USCIS policy changes, and congressional actions occur:
For Riverside County and the broader Inland Empire, this is especially significant. The region is home to an estimated 35,000 DACA-eligible individuals, many of whom work in healthcare, education, logistics, and agriculture — industries that form the backbone of the local economy. Any disruption in DACA renewals directly impacts thousands of families and businesses throughout the community.
Stay current with the latest developments below. We update this dashboard as new court rulings, USCIS policy changes, and congressional actions occur:
Latest Update:
OfficialUSCIS confirms 2026 renewal fees remain unchanged at $495.Jan 03, 2026
USCIS confirms 2026 renewal fees remain unchanged at $495.
New federal court ruling on DACA expansion pending appeal.
Reminder: Renewal processing times currently averaging 90 days.
Renewal Guidelines for 2026
If you currently hold DACA, you must continue to renew it every two years without exception. USCIS generally recommends filing for renewal 120 to 150 days before your current DACA status expires. This window is critical — filing too early (more than 150 days out) results in rejection of your application, while filing too late risks a gap in your employment authorization that leaves you unable to work legally.
The current DACA renewal fee is $405, which includes $85 for biometrics. USCIS does not offer fee waivers for DACA applications, though fee exemptions exist in limited circumstances for applicants who can demonstrate they are under 18, homeless, in foster care, or otherwise unable to pay. You file using Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and Form I-765WS (Worksheet).
Processing times for DACA renewals currently average 3 to 5 months at most service centers. If your current DACA and EAD expire before your renewal is processed, you enter a gap period where you lack work authorization. Employers are legally required to terminate your employment during this gap, so timing your renewal filing is essential. Set a calendar reminder for exactly 150 days before your expiration date — that is your optimal filing window.
The current DACA renewal fee is $405, which includes $85 for biometrics. USCIS does not offer fee waivers for DACA applications, though fee exemptions exist in limited circumstances for applicants who can demonstrate they are under 18, homeless, in foster care, or otherwise unable to pay. You file using Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and Form I-765WS (Worksheet).
Processing times for DACA renewals currently average 3 to 5 months at most service centers. If your current DACA and EAD expire before your renewal is processed, you enter a gap period where you lack work authorization. Employers are legally required to terminate your employment during this gap, so timing your renewal filing is essential. Set a calendar reminder for exactly 150 days before your expiration date — that is your optimal filing window.
Advance Parole for DACA Recipients
DACA recipients have the ability to travel abroad by obtaining Advance Parole, primarily for educational, employment, or humanitarian reasons. This is one of the most strategically important options available to DACA holders, because re-entering the United States with Advance Parole provides a 'lawful entry' — a legal status that is vital for future adjustment of status to permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen or other qualifying pathways.
To apply for Advance Parole, you file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with supporting evidence demonstrating the purpose of your travel. Educational reasons include studying abroad, attending academic conferences, or participating in university exchange programs. Employment reasons include business travel required by your employer, client meetings, or training programs. Humanitarian reasons cover visiting a seriously ill family member, attending a funeral, or other urgent personal matters.
The filing fee for Advance Parole is $575. Processing times vary from 2 to 6 months, so plan travel well in advance. A critical warning: leaving the United States without approved Advance Parole terminates your DACA status immediately. There are no exceptions. Additionally, if you have any prior removal orders or immigration violations, traveling with Advance Parole carries risks — consult with our Riverside office at (714) 421-8872 before making any travel decisions.
To apply for Advance Parole, you file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with supporting evidence demonstrating the purpose of your travel. Educational reasons include studying abroad, attending academic conferences, or participating in university exchange programs. Employment reasons include business travel required by your employer, client meetings, or training programs. Humanitarian reasons cover visiting a seriously ill family member, attending a funeral, or other urgent personal matters.
The filing fee for Advance Parole is $575. Processing times vary from 2 to 6 months, so plan travel well in advance. A critical warning: leaving the United States without approved Advance Parole terminates your DACA status immediately. There are no exceptions. Additionally, if you have any prior removal orders or immigration violations, traveling with Advance Parole carries risks — consult with our Riverside office at (714) 421-8872 before making any travel decisions.
What If My DACA Expired?
The consequences of letting your DACA expire depend entirely on how much time has passed. If your DACA expired less than one year ago, you can still file a renewal request using the standard I-821D form. USCIS treats this as a renewal rather than a new application, which means it falls within the scope of currently permitted processing. File immediately — every day of delay increases your vulnerability.
If your DACA expired more than one year ago, the situation becomes significantly more difficult. Under current court orders, USCIS treats lapsed DACA cases beyond one year as new applications, which are blocked. You cannot re-enter the program through the renewal process. This underscores the absolute importance of filing on time, every time.
During any gap in your DACA status, you lose both your work authorization and your protection from removal proceedings. While enforcement priorities vary by administration, having an active DACA status provides documented protection that an expired status does not. If your DACA has lapsed, do not assume you are safe simply because you were once a recipient. Contact our office immediately to explore alternative protections, including potential eligibility for other immigration relief categories.
If your DACA expired more than one year ago, the situation becomes significantly more difficult. Under current court orders, USCIS treats lapsed DACA cases beyond one year as new applications, which are blocked. You cannot re-enter the program through the renewal process. This underscores the absolute importance of filing on time, every time.
During any gap in your DACA status, you lose both your work authorization and your protection from removal proceedings. While enforcement priorities vary by administration, having an active DACA status provides documented protection that an expired status does not. If your DACA has lapsed, do not assume you are safe simply because you were once a recipient. Contact our office immediately to explore alternative protections, including potential eligibility for other immigration relief categories.
Building a Backup Plan: Alternative Pathways
Given the legal uncertainty surrounding DACA, every recipient needs a contingency plan. The program has survived multiple legal challenges, but its long-term future remains dependent on congressional action or Supreme Court decisions that are impossible to predict. Responsible planning means exploring every available pathway to more permanent status.
The most common pathway from DACA to a Green Card is through marriage to a U.S. citizen. If you entered the United States with inspection (came through a port of entry, even as a child) or re-entered with Advance Parole, you are eligible to adjust status to permanent residency within the United States. If you entered without inspection, the path is more complicated and typically requires consular processing abroad — which itself carries risks under the 3-year and 10-year unlawful presence bars.
Other potential pathways include employer sponsorship (if your employer is willing to petition for an H-1B or other work visa), U-visa eligibility (if you were a victim of qualifying crimes), T-visa eligibility (for trafficking victims), or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (for those who were under 21 and experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment). Each pathway has specific requirements and timelines. Our team evaluates every DACA client's complete situation to identify all available options.
The most common pathway from DACA to a Green Card is through marriage to a U.S. citizen. If you entered the United States with inspection (came through a port of entry, even as a child) or re-entered with Advance Parole, you are eligible to adjust status to permanent residency within the United States. If you entered without inspection, the path is more complicated and typically requires consular processing abroad — which itself carries risks under the 3-year and 10-year unlawful presence bars.
Other potential pathways include employer sponsorship (if your employer is willing to petition for an H-1B or other work visa), U-visa eligibility (if you were a victim of qualifying crimes), T-visa eligibility (for trafficking victims), or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (for those who were under 21 and experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment). Each pathway has specific requirements and timelines. Our team evaluates every DACA client's complete situation to identify all available options.
Protecting Your Rights as a DACA Recipient
DACA recipients have specific legal rights that are important to understand and assert. Your DACA status and Social Security number are protected information — USCIS has stated that information provided in DACA applications is protected from disclosure to ICE and CBP for enforcement purposes, with limited exceptions for national security or fraud.
In the workplace, you are protected by the same labor laws as any other authorized worker. You cannot be paid less than minimum wage, denied overtime, or subjected to unsafe working conditions because of your immigration status. If an employer threatens to report you to immigration authorities as retaliation for asserting your workplace rights, that employer is violating federal law. Document everything and contact both our office and the Department of Labor.
If you are stopped by law enforcement, you have the right to remain silent about your immigration status. You are not required to carry your EAD card at all times, though having it available is advisable. If ICE contacts you directly, do not sign any documents without legal counsel. Call our emergency line immediately. In Riverside County, local law enforcement agencies generally do not cooperate with ICE detainer requests under the California Values Act (SB 54), but this does not guarantee protection in all circumstances.
In the workplace, you are protected by the same labor laws as any other authorized worker. You cannot be paid less than minimum wage, denied overtime, or subjected to unsafe working conditions because of your immigration status. If an employer threatens to report you to immigration authorities as retaliation for asserting your workplace rights, that employer is violating federal law. Document everything and contact both our office and the Department of Labor.
If you are stopped by law enforcement, you have the right to remain silent about your immigration status. You are not required to carry your EAD card at all times, though having it available is advisable. If ICE contacts you directly, do not sign any documents without legal counsel. Call our emergency line immediately. In Riverside County, local law enforcement agencies generally do not cooperate with ICE detainer requests under the California Values Act (SB 54), but this does not guarantee protection in all circumstances.
Tax Filing and Financial Planning for DACA Holders
DACA recipients with valid Social Security numbers are required to file federal and California state tax returns, just like any other authorized worker. Consistent tax filing creates a documented record of your contributions to the United States, which strengthens any future immigration application — whether for a Green Card through marriage, employment sponsorship, or eventual legislative reform.
You are eligible for most tax credits and deductions, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, and education credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit. In California, DACA recipients also qualify for state-funded financial aid for college through the California Dream Act, which covers Cal Grants and institutional aid at UC, CSU, and community college systems.
For financial planning, establish a savings account, build credit through secured credit cards or credit-builder loans, and maintain organized records of all your financial activities. Many banks and credit unions in Riverside and the Inland Empire accept Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) or Social Security numbers from DACA recipients for account opening. A strong financial profile demonstrates stability and community ties — factors that benefit virtually every type of immigration case.
You are eligible for most tax credits and deductions, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, and education credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit. In California, DACA recipients also qualify for state-funded financial aid for college through the California Dream Act, which covers Cal Grants and institutional aid at UC, CSU, and community college systems.
For financial planning, establish a savings account, build credit through secured credit cards or credit-builder loans, and maintain organized records of all your financial activities. Many banks and credit unions in Riverside and the Inland Empire accept Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) or Social Security numbers from DACA recipients for account opening. A strong financial profile demonstrates stability and community ties — factors that benefit virtually every type of immigration case.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How much does a DACA renewal cost in 2026?
A: The DACA renewal filing fee is $405, which includes $85 for biometrics processing. USCIS does not offer fee waivers for DACA applications. You must submit payment by check, money order, or credit card (Form G-1450) with your renewal package.
Q:Can I apply for DACA for the first time in 2026?
A: No. As of 2026, new initial DACA applications remain blocked by federal court order. Only individuals who previously held DACA can file for renewal. If you have never had DACA, contact our office to explore other forms of immigration relief that may be available to you.
Q:What happens if there is a gap between my old DACA and my renewal?
A: During a gap, you lose work authorization and deportation protection. Your employer is legally required to stop your employment. You cannot work, and you are technically removable. File your renewal 120-150 days before expiration to avoid this situation.
Q:Can I get a driver's license with DACA in California?
A: Yes. California issues standard driver's licenses to DACA recipients with valid EADs. Additionally, under AB 60, California issues driver's licenses to all state residents regardless of immigration status, so you can obtain a license even during a DACA gap period.
Q:Is it safe to travel outside the U.S. with DACA?
A: Only with approved Advance Parole. Leaving without it terminates your DACA immediately. Even with Advance Parole, there are risks if you have prior removal orders or immigration violations. Always consult with an immigration professional before any international travel.
Q:Can I get a Green Card through my DACA status?
A: DACA itself does not provide a path to a Green Card. However, if you marry a U.S. citizen and made a lawful entry (or re-entered with Advance Parole), you can adjust status to permanent residency. Other pathways include employer sponsorship or qualifying for humanitarian visas like the U-visa.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Riverside and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Published: January 3, 2026Last Updated: January 3, 2026
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