Minnesota residents who are recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are facing uncertainty as renewal delays increase, leaving them vulnerable to deportation. One such recipient, Carmen, has been a recipient of DACA since its inception and has been waiting for her renewal for over four months. Her work authorization, which is tied to her DACA status, has expired, and she has lost her job as a result.
Delays in Renewal Processing
According to legal experts and DACA recipients, the delays in renewal processing are unusual and have been caused by changes in the processing procedures. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced additional screening requirements, including mandatory biometrics, which has resulted in slower processing times. Chhun Hour Chea, a mechanical engineer and DACA recipient, has been waiting for his renewal for over four months and is worried about the delay, especially since he has recently become a homeowner.
Sheila Stuhlman, an immigration attorney, stated that the normal recommendation is to apply four to five months before expiration, but this is no longer sufficient due to the delays. The USCIS has reported a processing time of 2.3 months for DACA and work authorization renewals, but local attorneys say that wait times are stretching much longer.
Impact on Recipients
The delays in renewal processing have significant consequences for DACA recipients, including the loss of work authorization and the risk of deportation. Nia, another DACA recipient, has been experiencing anxiety due to the delays and has decided to apply for renewal earlier than necessary to avoid any gaps in her work authorization.
The situation is further complicated by a recent court decision that has renewed concerns about the protections offered by DACA. The Department of Homeland Security has reported that ICE arrested roughly 260 DACA recipients in 2025, and as many as 174 DACA recipients had been deported.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
