What Are the New Restrictions on Foreign Nationals?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has provided many individuals a way to live and work in this country without the constant fear of removal. While DACA does not provide lawful status, it can offer temporary protection from deportation and the ability to obtain work authorization, which can be life-changing for those who qualify. As of 2026, DACA remains in place, though it continues to be shaped by ongoing court decisions and federal policy changes. Because of this, many individuals and families have questions about whether they still qualify, whether they can apply, and what options may be available to them moving forward. Continue reading and contact a skilled Milwaukee DACA lawyer from Sesini Law Group, S.C. today.
Who Qualifies for DACA?
To be eligible for DACA, applicants must meet several specific requirements. While every case is different, the general guidelines include the following:
- You came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday
- You have continuously lived in the United States since June 15, 2007
- You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of applying
- You had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- You are currently in school, have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- You have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or multiple misdemeanors, and you do not otherwise pose a threat to public safety
Current Status of DACA
As of 2026, USCIS continues to accept DACA renewal requests and associated applications for employment authorization from current recipients. USCIS also continues to accept initial DACA requests, but it is not currently processing or approving initial DACA requests because of ongoing federal court orders. Existing grants of DACA and related work authorization generally remain in effect unless they expire or are individually terminated.
DACA remains the subject of ongoing litigation. In January 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled against the Biden administration’s DACA regulation, but current recipients were still permitted to keep their protections while the litigation continues.
Contact a DACA Lawyer Today
Our firm is keeping an eye on the multitude of lawsuits by numerous attorneys general across the country. If you are facing the uncertainty of being a DACA recipient or need quality legal support for an immigration matter, contact Sesini Law Group.
