DACA’s status: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) offers temporary protection and work authorization to people who were brought to the United States as children. The program must be renewed every two years and does not confer lawful status. After a January 2025 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, USCIS continues to process DACA renewal requests, but new applications remain on hold. Existing work permits remain valid until they expire or are individually revoked.

Shifting rhetoric: President Trump has vacillated between supporting Dreamers and seeking to end DACA. Despite saying last year he wanted to keep recipients in the country, current administration spokespeople now emphasize that DACA confers no legal status and that recipients are not automatically protected from deportation. Assistant Press Secretary Tricia McLaughlin noted that any DACA recipient who violates the law or their status could face arrest and deportation.

Policy actions: Federal agencies have moved to restrict benefits—barring DACA recipients from certain health and education programs and detaining some during raids and traffic stops. California officials have labelled this approach a “chaos campaign” that disregards people’s legal rights.

Project Homecoming: DHS has launched a voluntary self‑deportation initiative dubbed “Project Homecoming.” Through the CBP Home mobile app, undocumented immigrants can register their intent to leave in exchange for a one‑way plane ticket, a US$1,000 “exit bonus” and forgiveness of some fines. Officials warn that those who do not take up the offer could face removal, detention or even asset confiscation. Critics view it as intimidation.

Guidance for DACA recipients:
Renew promptly: Submit renewal requests 120–150 days before expiration.
Stay lawful: Criminal or immigration violations can trigger removal.
Travel cautiously: Leaving the country without advance parole ends deferred action.
Consult an attorney: Programs like Project Homecoming may affect future re‑entry, so seek professional legal counsel before acting.

DACA remains in force for current grantees, but the administration’s posture has shifted toward encouraging self‑deportation. Dreamers should know their rights, renew on time and seek legal counsel before making decisions that could jeopardize their status.

Sources:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – DACA program updates and Fifth Circuit ruling
Newsweek – Reporting on administration statements regarding DACA protections
NBC San Diego – Coverage of new policies and self‑deportation program
USCIS “Project Homecoming” page – Details on the CBP Home app incentives
California officials’ statements in news reports regarding enforcement actions