By Elia Lopez
Delays in the program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) have caused hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries to face loss of immigration status, employment and driver’s license in the United Statesafter failing to complete their renovations on time.
The program, which temporarily protects people who arrived in the country as children from deportation, has recorded wait times not seen since 2016according to data from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Cases of beneficiaries affected by delays
Among those affected is Melani Candiawho for more than a decade has renewed his status every two years to live and work in the United States with his family in Florida. However, this year he did not manage to complete his renewal on time, which led to the loss of his job and fears of arrest, according to what was published by the AP agency.
Another affected person is Elsa Sanchezwho submitted his renewal application more than five months ago and was left unemployed after his work permit expired. Both are part of the more than 500,000 DACA recipientsknown as “dreamers”.
Increase in program waiting times
According to USCIS, the average renewal processing time went from approximately 15 days in 2025 about 70 days between October 2025 and February 2026reaching in some cases up to 122 days.
Legislators and migrant organizations have reported that some applicants have even waited until six months or more no resolution.
Labor and social impact on beneficiaries
The expiration of DACA without renewal has led to the suspension or loss of jobs, as well as economic difficulties for those affected. Some beneficiaries have had to adjust basic expenses due to lack of income, while facing uncertainty about their permanence in the country.
Position of authorities and political debate
USCIS attributed the delays to more exhaustive verification processes in reviewing applications. The agency indicated that these measures may extend processing times.
For their part, legislators like Senator Alex Padilla have noted that delays have gone from weeks to months, raising concerns about possible detentions or deportations of people with expired applications.
Correct status of the DACA program
DACA, created in 2012, It does not grant permanent correct status, but allows renewable two-year work permits. The program has faced multiple legal challenges and court decisions that have affected the processing of new applications.
Authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have indicated that DACA beneficiaries are not exempt from immigration processes. detention or deportationeven if they comply with the program, which has increased concern among those affected.
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