At Ibrahim Law Global, we know that many people living in Illinois and across the U.S. face deep uncertainty about their legal status. For thousands of young adults, DACA has offered a way to live and work in the country they’ve called home since childhood. But legal battles and shifting policies continue to impact the program’s future.
If you’re a current or potential DACA recipient, understanding your rights and options is critical. Our legal team is here to guide you through every stage of the process, from renewal to potential first-time applications.
What Is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal program that allows certain undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children to request protection from deportation and obtain work authorization. Although DACA does not provide a path to citizenship, it offers renewable, temporary relief to eligible recipients.
These individuals, often called Dreamers, have grown up in the U.S., attended school here, and built lives in their communities. For many, Illinois is the only home they’ve ever known.
DACA Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for DACA, applicants must meet several criteria. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must:
- Have been born on or after June 16, 1981
- Have arrived in the U.S. before your 16th birthday
- Have lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- Have had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- Be present in the U.S. at the time of application
- Be enrolled in school, have graduated, or possess a GED
- Be an honorably discharged U.S. military or Coast Guard veteran
- Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
- Not pose a national security or public safety threat
A Brief History of DACA
DACA was first introduced in 2012 during the Obama administration. Since then, it has faced repeated legal and political challenges. In 2017, the Trump administration attempted to end the program, prompting numerous lawsuits. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the termination unlawful due to procedural failures.
Since then, federal courts have continued to shape the policy. In 2021 and 2022, courts limited the government’s ability to accept new DACA applications. In 2025, a key legal development gave hope to new applicants, but the future remains far from certain.
Current Status in 2025
As of early 2025, a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has allowed renewals to continue. If you have DACA status and a valid work permit, you can still file for renewal. USCIS recommends applying 120–150 days before your current authorization expires.
Although new first-time DACA applications were technically cleared to resume following a March 2025 ruling, USCIS has not yet updated its public guidance or begun processing them. Applicants may submit materials, but responses may be delayed until the agency fully implements the ruling.
This legal gray area makes working with an experienced immigration attorney essential.
What Does the Future Hold?
The future of DACA continues to hang in the balance. While the program still protects thousands of people from deportation, it remains vulnerable to legal and political shifts. Federal courts could change DACA’s scope, and new legislation may be introduced in the coming years.
That uncertainty makes it all the more important to stay informed, file renewals on time, and consult with legal counsel before taking any action.
Contact Ibrahim Law Global Today
At Ibrahim Law Global, we advocate for Dreamers across Illinois and beyond. Whether you’re seeking a renewal or wondering if you qualify for first-time DACA protection, we’re here to help you understand your options and fight for your right to remain in the country you call home.
Call (708) 584-3043 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
