On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the Southern District of Texas finding the program unlawful, but limited the decision to Texas and kept all DACA renewals — including for those who live in Texas — available for eligible recipients.
U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in July 2021 in the Texas case that DACA was unlawful, halted it nationwide, and prohibited the government from approving any new DACA requests. Judge Hanen's ruling allowed those with DACA to retain and renew their protections, but no new requests could be processed.
DACA recipients are eligible for most types of mortgages if they can prove they're lawful, non-permanent residents of the U.S. In other words, as a Dreamer, you're eligible for homeownership if you have the paperwork showing you can legally live and work in this country.
What happened: On January 17th, 2025 the 5th Circuit Court once again ruled against DACA, but kept renewals open–for now. This ruling is part of ongoing, deliberate attacks to undermine immigrant communities, limit opportunities, and enable mass deportation.
We will update this page as we find information. Please continue to check this page for updates on eligibility. We have confirmed that DACA recipients who live within the states of California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and New York are eligible for unemployment benefits.
DACA recipients, often referred to as “Dreamers,” are eligible for work permits and can apply for driver's licenses in Texas.
U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen ruled in July 2021 in the Texas case that DACA was unlawful, halted it nationwide, and prohibited the government from approving any new DACA requests. Judge Hanen's ruling allowed those with DACA to retain and renew their protections, but no new requests could be processed.
That means that if you want to apply for a driver license (DL) or an identification card (ID), you will have to show proof that you are in the U.S. legally. DACA recipients can still obtain a driver license or state identification card.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) EAD category code is C33.
Form I-765 is the physical document. Form I-766 is an EAD card, which you can keep in your wallet. Both Form I-766 and I-765 are valid EADs. You actually use Form I-765 to apply for your Form 1-766 card.