Published on November 11, 2026
The Secretary of Homeland Security said he is open to discussing permanent status for DACA recipients, while ruling out any amnesty. It is hopeful news, and it is worth measuring precisely: a statement is not a law, and the program is at the same time going through a delicate moment in the courts.
In brief: what was said about DACA and what it means
On November 9, 2026, Secretary Markwayne Mullin told reporters he would be willing to discuss a path to permanent legal status for this group.
According to the EFE news agency, he spoke of "finding a way for these people to become perhaps lawful permanent citizens or something like that."
At the same time, he made clear that this is Congress's task: "that'll be up to Congress to do that."
He also ruled out amnesty for the millions of undocumented people, while saying he would be "open to talk to anything."
The president, in a television interview on November 8, said he was willing to work with the opposition on immigration.
None of this is a bill yet. These are public statements about a willingness to negotiate.
Meanwhile, DACA renewals remain open, but new applications are not being approved.
According to the National Immigration Forum, as of June 30, 2026 there were 436,350 active recipients.
Important: if your protection is current, the most urgent thing today is not the possible reform but your renewal on time.
What exactly did the Secretary say about DACA?
That he is willing to talk, and it is worth keeping those exact words rather than the interpretations circulating online.
According to the agency coverage, the Secretary raised the possibility of finding a path for these individuals to obtain permanent status. However, in the same remarks he underlined two limits.
The first is that there will be no amnesty. The second is that the decision is not in his hands but in Congress's, which alone can create a permanent legal path through legislation.
Note the difference. A government agency applies the law; only Congress can create it. Therefore, a statement of openness is a political starting point, not a legal change.
It also helps to place these remarks in time. That is, they came days after the midterm elections, when both parties weigh which issues can move. However, that coincidence guarantees no outcome.
Does this mean DACA reform is coming?
It cannot be said yet, and honesty matters here. What exists today is a declared willingness to talk, not legislative text or an introduced bill.
For a permanent path to become law, the full legislative route would have to be traveled. That is, the same text passed by both chambers and signed by the president, with the obstacles we explain in our article on what immigration reform would actually take.
That said, one element is worth highlighting. Historically, proposals aimed at people who arrived as children have drawn support from lawmakers of both parties, which sets them apart from broader initiatives.
It is also worth recalling the current legislative context, explained in our article on the new majority in Congress. Our firm takes no political position: we present the facts as they were reported.
Where does DACA stand in the courts today?
In a situation many recipients do not know about, and one more urgent than any rumor of reform.
In January 2025, a federal appeals court decided the Texas case with a split ruling. It concluded that protection from deportation is constitutional and applies nationwide, but found the work permit component potentially unlawful and treated it as separable.
In addition, that court narrowed the measure to the state of Texas, where about 82,410 recipients live. However, the decision has not yet been implemented, because the district court must still issue the order putting it into practice.
That pending order matters more than it sounds. In fact, it will decide whether new applications open nationwide and when Texas work permits end. Therefore, the next real change for this program may come from a courtroom rather than from Congress.
Renewals nationwide: accepted and processed.
New applications: accepted, but not approved.
Protection from deportation: in effect nationwide.
Work permits in Texas: awaiting a court order.
Active recipients: 436,350 as of June 30, 2026.
Source: National Immigration Forum explainer on the program's status. Verified on November 11, 2026.
Note this figure: the number of active recipients fell by nearly 100,000 since January 2025. Many of those losses came from renewals filed late.
Why does renewing on time matter more than ever?
Because administrative delays have become a real risk. According to the same explainer, there was a backlog of 125,282 pending renewals, the highest on record.
The consequences of that backlog are concrete. Some people have gone months without status and without work authorization, not because they did not qualify, but because the filing was not resolved in time.
It is worth grasping what that means day to day. That is, losing work authorization can cost a job, and regaining it takes time. Therefore, filing early is not a minor tip but a real protection.
The practical recommendation is simple and urgent. It is important that you file your renewal as far in advance as possible, and not in the final month.
It is also worth remembering that the rules on certain automatic work permit extensions changed this year. You can see the details in our article on the end of certain automatic extensions.
What if I have never had DACA?
That for now you cannot obtain it, even if you meet the requirements. New applications are accepted but are not being approved while the litigation continues.
That does not mean you have no options. In fact, many people who arrived as children qualify for other paths based on their family, work or persecution history, and simply do not know it.
For that reason we recommend reviewing the full case with an attorney before concluding nothing is available.
In addition, it is worth documenting your history in the country now. That is, proof of residence, school records, work history and any document showing when you arrived. In fact, if a path were to open later, someone whose evidence is already organized will be at an advantage.
What risk does this moment bring?
That of false promises, and it is worth warning about clearly. Every time an official mentions the word reform, people appear charging to process programs that do not exist.
Therefore, be wary of anyone offering to "sign you up" for a new law, promising results, or pressuring you to pay urgently. It is important that you always verify information through official sources.
A legal consultation to evaluate your case is a very different thing from paying for a benefit that does not yet exist.
There is a simple test that helps. If someone names a program and assures you that you qualify, ask where it was published officially. However, if no official notice exists, neither does the program.
What do we recommend to DACA recipients?
We recommend five concrete things, and none depends on what Congress does.
First, renew early and do not wait for the expiration date to approach. Second, keep copies of all your prior approvals and work permits.
Third, keep your address current with immigration authorities. Fourth, avoid traveling outside the country without a prior legal review, because the rules here are strict.
In addition, keep a personal copy of every receipt notice you receive. That is, delays are common, and being able to show exactly when you filed can matter later.
And fifth, check whether another path is available in your case. In fact, the program is a temporary protection, and it is unwise to depend on it alone.
At our firm, that review takes place in a consultation with attorney Jesús Reyes. Our consultations are not free. However, they allow a thorough look at your file and an honest answer about the alternatives available in your specific situation. We also offer emergency consultations, which are scheduled sooner and cost more. You can schedule your consultation here.
It is also worth knowing about our family petition and asylum and protection services.
Frequently asked questions about DACA
Has a law for DACA recipients already passed?
No. What happened was a public statement of openness to dialogue. Creating a permanent path requires a law passed by Congress and signed by the president.
Can I apply for the program for the first time?
New applications are accepted but are not being approved while the litigation continues. For that reason it is worth reviewing what other options exist in your case.
Can I still renew?
Yes. Renewals are accepted and processed nationwide. That said, there are significant delays, so they should be filed well in advance.
What about work permits in Texas?
That is the point left awaiting a court order. The district court must issue an order specifying how the appeals decision will be applied.
Can I travel outside the United States?
Traveling with a temporary protection carries risks and specific requirements. For that reason we recommend not leaving the country without first reviewing your case with an attorney.
Where should I verify news on this topic?
In official sources and established media coverage. Be wary of videos announcing new programs without citing a verifiable source.
Conclusion
The openness the Secretary expressed is a political signal worth following, and the historical bipartisan support for this group makes it less improbable than other proposals. Even so, it bears repeating: there is no new law for DACA recipients today, and the legislative path is long.
Meanwhile, what is in your hands is concrete and urgent. Renew on time, keep your documents, and check whether another permanent path exists for your case. It is important that you not postpone your renewal while waiting for a reform.
If you have questions about your situation or want to know what other options might apply to you, contact us. We handle cases worldwide from our office in Miami, Florida. We are here to advise you and review your specific case.
See also our frequently asked questions and the rest of the updates on our blog.
